News Summary
Ole Miss pitcher Mason Morris was selected 83rd overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2025 MLB Draft, marking the first Ole Miss player drafted this year. The 21-year-old right-hander showcased improvement with a 3.29 ERA and 78 strikeouts in the 2025 season, establishing himself as a key player for the team. Morris’s selection highlights his remarkable growth and significant achievements within the Ole Miss baseball program, solidifying his status as a promising talent in the minor leagues.
Tupelo, Mississippi – Ole Miss pitcher Mason Morris was selected 83rd overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft on July 13, 2025. This selection marks a significant milestone as Morris is the first player from Ole Miss chosen in this year’s draft.
The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher joined the Ole Miss baseball program in 2022. After a promising debut, in which he appeared in 10 games as a freshman, Morris faced challenges in his sophomore year with a 6.55 ERA. However, in the 2025 season, he demonstrated considerable improvement, showcasing his skills and proving to be an essential asset for the team.
During the 2025 season, Morris pitched a total of 54 innings, posting an impressive 3.29 ERA while striking out 78 batters. His performance contributed to a record of 5-1, which solidified his position as a crucial reliever behind the team’s ace, Hunter Elliott. Despite not being a starter, Morris’s strikeout total ranked second on the Ole Miss team, emphasizing his effectiveness on the mound.
Morris’s development can be attributed in part to his pitching coach, Joel Mangrum, who played a pivotal role in enhancing Morris’s performance this season. His primary pitch, a fastball reaching speeds of 96-98 mph, alongside a slider in the mid-to-upper 80s, proved effective against opposing batters. This selection not only elevates Morris’s status but also positions him as the highest drafted pitcher from Ole Miss since Doug Nikhazy was taken in the second round of the 2021 draft.
The estimated slot value for Morris’s selection is around $964,800, marking a significant financial opportunity as he embarks on his professional career with Cincinnati. The MLB Draft took place over two days, July 13 and 14, with the official coverage available through appropriate channels.
Morris’s selection is noteworthy, as he becomes the first Ole Miss player to be drafted in the first three rounds since 2023. His contributions helped Ole Miss return to postseason baseball in 2025, a feat that highlights his development and impact within the program.
Throughout his collegiate career, Morris has shown remarkable growth, effectively doubling his workload from a combined total of 40.2 innings in his first two years to over 54 innings in the recent season. Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco expressed confidence in Morris’s ability to make a significant impact in the minor leagues as he transitions to the Reds organization.
As Mason Morris begins this next chapter of his baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds, fans and analysts will be watching closely for his performance and further development in the professional arena.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss Baseball MLB Draft Rankings
- On3: Mason Morris Selected by Cincinnati Reds
- SI: Ole Miss Baseball Portal Buzz
- 247 Sports: Ole Miss Assistant on Hunter Elliott’s Draft
- Ole Miss Sports: Ryan Rolison to Major Leagues
- Wikipedia: Ole Miss
- Google Search: Ole Miss baseball 2025 MLB Draft
- Google Scholar: Ole Miss baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ole Miss
- Google News: Ole Miss baseball news
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
