Ace Reese, a junior third baseman from Mississippi State University, has been invited to the 2026 MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field in Phoenix. The invitation places him among 334 of the nation’s most promising prospects, and his ranking as the No. 21 overall prospect underscores the excitement surrounding his upcoming professional debut.
Reese’s collegiate résumé is marked by back‑to‑back seasons of 20 or more home runs, a feat that only a handful of Bulldogs have achieved. He batted .336 this spring with 23 doubles, 24 homers and 74 RBIs, while his 23 doubles topped the Southeastern Conference and tied for eighth place in school history.
The Road to the Draft
The combine, which will be broadcast on MLB Network, MLB.com and the MLB app, offers a rare platform for players to demonstrate their skills in front of scouts and executives. In addition to Reese, seven of Mississippi State’s recent signees — including Rocco Maniscalco, Noah Danza, Jake Carbaugh, Landon Brown, Wilson Andersen and Martin Shelar — will also work out at the event.
Beyond individual performances, the gathering highlights the growing international reach of the draft, featuring 140 high school athletes alongside the college participants. Coverage will extend across multiple platforms, ensuring that fans can follow every swing, sprint and strength test in real time.
A Legacy in the Making
Reese’s power numbers place him alongside Mississippi State legends such as Will Clark and Rafael Palmeiro, and his 24 home runs in 2026 rank fourth in school annals. With 45 career homers, he shares ninth place on the all‑time list with Tommy Raffo, cementing his status as one of the program’s most prolific sluggers.
As the draft approaches, analysts project Reese as a first‑round selection, noting his 6‑foot‑4, 220‑pound frame and the combination of size, speed and bat speed that could make him a cornerstone for any franchise. His Texas roots in Canton add a personal narrative to a career that is already drawing national attention.