Mississippi State Sends Reese and Eight Recruits to 2026 Draft Combine
Ace Reese, a third‑baseman for Mississippi State, is the only current Bulldog invited to the 2026 MLB Draft Combine, which will be held in Phoenix from June 23‑25. The event precedes the MLB Draft in Philadelphia on July 11‑12.
Eight Mississippi State prospects — catcher Will Brick, outfielder Martin Shelar, pitchers Wilson Andersen and Denton Lord, infielder Landon Brown, and arms Jacob Carbaugh and Noah Danza — have earned invitations and draft rankings from MLB.com.
The combine comes as the program enjoys a resurgence under coach Brian O’Connor, who guided the Bulldogs to the Athens Super Regional in his inaugural season, and as Reese joins alumni Rafael Palmeiro and Will Clark in achieving consecutive 20‑home‑run years.
Reese, ranked No. 21 by MLB.com, transferred to Mississippi State before the 2025 campaign and posted a .336 average with 24 homers, 74 RBIs and 73 runs, positioning him as a potential first‑round pick and the first position player from the school to be drafted in the first round since Justin Foscue in 2020.