Mississippi State baseball standout Ace Reese has been officially drafted by the Seattle Mariners, marking a significant milestone in his promising career. The talented third baseman was chosen as the 24th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft on June 11.
Reese's selection makes him the first position player from the Bulldogs to be drafted in the first round since Justin Foscue in 2020. Ahead of the draft, MLB.com had recognized Reese's potential, ranking him as the 18th best prospect, highlighting the high expectations surrounding his transition to professional baseball.
Reese's collegiate career demonstrates his remarkable offensive prowess and adaptability. After transferring to Mississippi State in 2025 from Houston, Reese quickly established himself as a dominant left-handed hitter capable of driving the ball across the entire field with considerable power. His two seasons at MSU were particularly noteworthy, as he joined Mississippi State legends Rafael Palmeiro and Will Clark in achieving the rare feat of back-to-back 20-home run seasons. In 2026, Reese hit a career-best 24 home runs, placing him fifth in the program's history and earning him two All-SEC first-team selections. While his offensive skills are undeniable, his defensive role at the MLB level, particularly regarding his primary position at third base, remains a topic of evaluation due to his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame.
Throughout his time at Mississippi State, Reese displayed a knack for performing under pressure, often peaking in the latter part of the season. This was evident in the 2026 Athens Super Regional, his final two games for MSU, where he posted an impressive .500 batting average (6-for-12) with two home runs, two RBIs, and four runs scored. Reese showed balanced hitting against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers and improved his walk rate to 14% in 2026. However, his strikeout rate also slightly increased to 21.6% during the same year, indicating a need for improved plate discipline. Defensively, Reese significantly enhanced his fielding percentage from .885 in 2025 to .935 in 2026, a crucial improvement as he projects his professional role, potentially at first base or in the corner outfield if third base proves unsuitable.
Ace Reese's journey from a collegiate standout to a first-round MLB Draft pick is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His power at the plate and his commitment to continuous improvement signal a promising future in Major League Baseball. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Seattle Mariners, his continued growth in all aspects of the game will undoubtedly be exciting to watch, inspiring aspiring athletes to pursue excellence in their own endeavors.
