As the 2025 MLB All-Star Game lights up Truist Park in Atlanta tonight, the Magnolia State will be well represented on baseball’s biggest summer stage. From homegrown heroes like Ocean Springs’ Garrett Crochet to former college and minor league standouts with ties to Mississippi, the talent pipeline from the Gulf South is undeniable. Whether it’s Brent Rooker’s powerful bat, Ronald Acuna’s 5 tools, or Jacob Misiorowski’s electric arm, these players are carrying the legacy of Mississippi baseball into the national spotlight tonight in Atlanta.
American League
Brent Rooker —Athletics DH — Mississippi State (2015-17)
Former Mississippi State standout is making his second All-Star appearance thanks to a breakout offensive season. Through mid-July, he’s slashed .279/.355/.505 with 20 home runs, 54 RBIs, and an impressive .860 OPS over 380 at-bats. In the Home Run Derby, Rooker crushed 17 homers in Round 1, but not enough to advance to the second round.
Garret Crotchet — LHP, Boston Red Sox — Ocean Springs HS (2014-17)
Hailing from Ocean Springs, Crochet has established himself as one of MLB’s most dominant lefties. He’s currently 10–4 with a stellar 2.23 ERA, ranks second in the AL, and leads the league with 160 strikeouts (1st) while maintaining a tidy 1.04 WHIP as the ace of the Red Sox pitching staff. His All-Star selection reflects both his strikeout prowess and consistency atop Boston’s rotation.
Josh Hader — LHP Reliever, Houston Astros — Biloxi Shuckers (2015-16)
Now in his sixth All-Star campaign, the former Biloxi Shucker continues to dominate late innings for the Houston Astros. This season he’s converted 25 saves, sports a 2.53 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and racks up strikeouts at a 39.2% rate, while mixing in more sliders to complement his overpowering fastball. Off the field, it’s shaping up to be a special weekend as his young son joins him in Atlanta.
Max Fried — LHP, New York Yankees — Mississippi Braves (2017-18)
A three-time All-Star returns to Atlanta where he was dominant for seven seasons. In his first year in New York, the former Mississippi Braves pitcher has been a rock for the Yankees’ rotation. He is 11–3 with a 2.43 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and ranks 8th in the American League, anchoring New York’s staff. His current ERA is among the lowest by a Yankees southpaw.
National League
Ronald Acuna Jr. — OF, Atlanta Braves — Mississippi Braves (2017)
One of the most electrifying players in baseball, Acuña is hitting .323/.416/.609 with 12 home runs, 22 RBIs, and a 1.025 OPS over 2025. He leads MLB in runs (149) and steals (73), and ranks among league leaders in hits, on-base percentage, and total bases. The home town star from the Braves playing in his 5th all-star appearance, after missing most of last season with a knee injury.
Jacob Misiorowski — RHP, Milwaukee Brewers — Biloxi Shuckers (2023-24)
The 23-year-old rookie has stunned the baseball world, rising from debut to All-Star in just five big league starts—the fastest ever. Since making his big league debut June 12 he’s posted a 4–1 record, 2.81 ERA, 33 strikeouts over 25⅔ innings, and even flirted with perfection early in his career. His record 104 mph fastball have made him a sensation and fueled both fan excitement and controversy.
Brendan Donovan — 2B, St. Louis Cardinals — South Alabama (2016-18)
Although his college days were spent at South Alabama, Donovan brings Gulf South grit to Atlanta this week. He’s slashing .297 with a797 OPS, with 8 home runs, 36 RBIs, and ranks in the top ten in batting average among NL qualifiers. His dependable contact hitting and positional versatility earn him a spot among the NL reserves.
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