Mississippi Valley State baseball had a productive fall in terms of both player development and player health. The team has shown significant defensive improvements across the field and boasts depth in the pitching rotation, giving them a competitive edge for weekend games.
Among the top returning players, three had frequent at-bats, while only two pitchers made starts. Key returners include Benny Hernandez, who has a batting average of .349 with 7 home runs (hitting .405 in SWAC play), and James Snipes, who pitched 59 innings with 29 strikeouts, 21 walks, and a 7.10 ERA.
Head coach CJ Bilbrey has added several key newcomers to the roster. Jaxon Haynes, a catcher from Ranger College, boasts a .350 batting average and 6 home runs. The coaching staff expects him to be a consistent presence behind the plate and to contribute as a middle-of-the-lineup hitter. Kade Wood, a shortstop from Ranger College, posted a .343 batting average, 2 home runs, and 16 stolen bases, along with a .957 fielding percentage. James Rivera, a right-handed pitcher from Chaffey College, has pitched 70 innings with 73 strikeouts and a 5.12 ERA. Jace Jones, a first baseman/right-handed pitcher from South Florida State, has a batting average of .289 with 5 home runs.
Among the key freshmen is Malik Kemp, a right-handed pitcher from LaGrange High School in Georgia. He is a physical pitcher who has consistently shown a fastball in the low 90s, and he has improved his mechanics this fall, making his off-speed pitches more reliable. Logan Darnell, also a right-handed pitcher from Rockwood Summit in Missouri, is a decorated prep pitcher who played for Nick Herrin and the National Inevitable Athletics. He is expected to be a workhorse from day one and will be part of the starting rotation. Additionally, Mac Floyd, an outfielder/right-handed pitcher from Lutheran South in Missouri, had an impressive fall both defensively and offensively, hitting over .400. He will also see innings on the mound because of his ability to command the zone.