Mississippi State Lands Power Bat Blake Bevis

Mississippi State baseball fans longing for a return to Omaha just got a jolt of power, and intrigue.

On June 18, the Bulldogs secured a major bat from the transfer portal, landing Ball State slugger Blake Bevis, a first-team All-MAC outfielder in 2025 who’s also flashed serious power from first base. His commitment signals a strong move by new head coach Brian O’Connor, who’s wasting no time reshaping the roster in his first month at the helm.

Bevis announced his commitment on social media with a simple but clear message: “Let’s do it, Starkville.”

It’s more than just a flashy slogan, it’s backed by numbers that Bulldog fans will love.

The Brentwood, Tennessee native mashed his way to a .301 average, 18 home runs, and 52 RBIs in 2025, solidifying his place as one of the MAC’s most feared hitters. And that wasn’t a fluke, as he earned second-team All-MAC honors the year prior as a first baseman, posting a .310 average with 12 homers and 55 RBIs.

Bevis brings both production and positional flexibility, filling a crucial need for MSU. With veteran Hunter Hines out of eligibility, first base is wide open. Bevis also provides depth in the corner outfield, though his final role will hinge on the outcomes of July’s MLB Draft, where he’s draft-eligible along with several current Bulldog outfielders.

For O’Connor, hired from Virginia on June 1, Bevis marks the ninth portal addition, and the sixth position player. He joins fellow newcomers James Nunnallee (Virginia), Vytas Valinius (Illinois), Aidan Teel (Virginia), Ryder Woodson (NC State), and Chone James (Virginia) as part of a comprehensive roster overhaul.