Missouri State University in Springfield currently has 22 baseball alumni playing professionally, highlighted by five players on Major League Baseball rosters, the program announced.
Statistics for the players are current through Thursday.
Bears in the Majors
Leading the way in the big leagues is Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year earned the start behind the plate for the NL in the All-Star Game, becoming just the second Bear to appear in the Midsummer Classic. Baldwin is batting .275 with 19 home runs and 55 RBIs this season.
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger is hitting .237 with 17 homers, 61 RBIs and a .419 slugging percentage through 98 games.
On the mound, reliever Pierce Johnson has pitched in 33 games during his first season with the Cincinnati Reds. He boasts a 2-1 record and one save, striking out 26 batters in 29 innings.
Hayden Juenger became the 25th Bear to reach the majors when he debuted with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 31. He was traded to the Athletics on June 27 and made his debut for the organization on July 22, allowing one run and striking out two over 2 1/3 innings.
Now in his fourth MLB season, Washington Nationals catcher Drew Millas has tallied two home runs and 11 RBIs in 130 at-bats over 50 games.
Making Moves in the Minors
Nine former Bears are currently playing in affiliated Minor League Baseball. Caden Bogenpohl, drafted 64th overall in the 2026 MLB draft, received his first professional assignment Friday and will begin his career with the Philadelphia Phillies' Florida Complex League affiliate.
At the Double-A level, Springfield Cardinals pitcher Brandt Thompson has split time this season between Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. He holds a 3-3 record and a 5.07 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 76 1/3 innings. Other Double-A standouts include Frisco RoughRiders reliever Eric Loomis (3.45 ERA, 49 strikeouts), Erie SeaWolves starter Hayden Minton (3.42 ERA, 71 strikeouts), Northwest Arkansas Naturals outfielder Spencer Nivens (.269 batting average, seven homers) and Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder Nick Rodriguez (.282 batting average, 25 doubles).
In the Single-A and High-A ranks, Jersey Shore BlueClaws reliever Jake Eddington has struck out 26 batters over 32 innings with a .200 opponent average and a 2.81 ERA. Stockton Ports reliever Jackson Holmes owns a 4.28 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings, while Jupiter Hammerheads infielder Jake McCutcheon is hitting .184 with five home runs, eight stolen bases and 31 RBIs.
Independent Leagues and Banana Ball
Seven Missouri State alumni are playing in independent leagues, including three in the Frontier League: Jackson Beaman (Joliet Slammers), Carter Bergman (Missoula PaddleHeads) and Taeg Gollert (Trois-Rivières Aigles).
In the Pioneer League, Bryce Cermenelli (Missoula PaddleHeads), Jason Schaaf (Ogden Raptors) and Lance Wade (Glacier Range Riders) are representing the Bears. Gabe Roessler made his pro debut with the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars of the Atlantic League on Thursday, hitting a double and driving in two runs.
Additionally, Riyan Rodriguez is in his third season touring with the Party Animals, playing Banana Ball.
