News Summary
Ole Miss baseball has reached a significant milestone by having nine players drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft, the highest total since 2014. Key selections include Luke Hill, chosen fourth overall by the Cleveland Guardians, marking him as the highest-drafted position player in recent years. Other notable players include Will McCausland, Riley Maddox, and Mason Nichols, all showcasing their exceptional talents throughout the season. This year’s draft highlights the team’s growth and the future potential of its players at the professional level.
OXFORD, MS – In a remarkable display of talent, Ole Miss baseball has achieved its highest MLB Draft total since 2014, with nine players selected over the course of the 2025 draft. This accomplishment is particularly significant as it reflects the team’s growth and depth in recent years, showcasing a new generation of players poised to make their mark in professional baseball.
The second day of the draft saw eight Ole Miss players being selected, marking an impressive tally for the university. Luke Hill made headlines as he was chosen in the fourth round as the 132nd overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians, becoming the highest-drafted position player from Ole Miss since Calvin Harris was picked in 2023. Following Hill, Will McCausland was selected in the seventh round (222nd overall) by the Guardians, while Riley Maddox was picked in the eighth round (231st overall) by the Washington Nationals.
Other notable picks include Mason Nichols in the ninth round (267th overall to the Tampa Bay Rays), Connor Spencer in the 12th round (361st overall to the Chicago Cubs), Patrick Galle in the 17th round (508th overall to the Boston Red Sox), Brayden Jones in the 18th round (537th overall to the Tampa Bay Rays), and Sam Tookoian in the 20th round (589th overall to the Los Angeles Angels).
Throughout the 2025 season, Luke Hill proved to be a standout player, starting all 63 games for the Rebels. He led the team with a stellar batting average of .336, an impressive on-base percentage of .459, and racked up 66 runs scored alongside 82 hits. Hill also displayed his speed on the bases by stealing 18 bases and set the sixth-longest on-base streak in the program’s history, reaching 42 consecutive games. His exceptional performance undoubtedly caught the attention of professional scouts.
Will McCausland made a significant impact on the mound, appearing in 24 games with a record of 3-1, accumulating two saves and a 4.32 ERA. His standout ability was showcased early in the season when he struck out eight batters in his debut against Clemson, and later saved a game against Missouri by striking out six batters in four innings.
On the other hand, Riley Maddox showed versatility in his role, making 16 starts and finishing second in innings pitched with a total of 69.2 innings. His commanding presence was highlighted by matching his career-high of seven innings pitched against Vanderbilt and achieving eight strikeouts against Mississippi State.
Mason Nichols also made a name for himself, starting 14 games and achieving a career-high of ten strikeouts in a game against Wright State. His efforts earned him significant accolades, including the SEC H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship, demonstrating his excellence both on the field and in academics.
Connor Spencer excelled with a remarkable 1.82 ERA over 21 appearances, obtaining eight saves while holding opposing batters to a mere .197 batting average. Patrick Galle made eight appearances, managing to strike out nine batters in seven innings of work. Brayden Jones, despite facing an elbow injury that required surgery, contributed significantly in 18 games, striking out 30 batters with only six walks. Finally, Sam Tookoian made five appearances, achieving impressive stats with nine strikeouts over three innings.
This year’s MLB Draft underscores a promising future for Ole Miss baseball, as it not only highlights the talented players transitioning to professional levels but also reinforces the team’s continued growth in collegiate athletics. The Rebel players selected will join the ranks of previous Ole Miss alumni now making their mark in Major League Baseball, further establishing the university’s reputation as a breeding ground for baseball talent.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Atlanta Braves 2025 MLB Draft Full Picks Analysis
- Wikipedia: 2025 MLB Draft
- MLB.com: Tate Southisene Drafted No. 22 by Braves
- Google Search: Atlanta Braves 2025 Draft
- Battery Power: Atlanta Braves 2025 Draft Pick Signing Tracker
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- AL.com: UAB Pitcher Corner High Alum Drafted by Atlanta Braves
- Google News: Atlanta Braves 2025 Draft 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.
