Southern Miss continues to churn out professional baseball talent, and this spring is another reminder of just how wide the program’s footprint has become. From established big leaguers like Matt Wallner to upper-level prospects such as Matthew Etzel, Dustin Dickerson and Reed Trimble, the Golden Eagles had former players scattered across big-league camps and farm systems all over the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.
The headliner from a pure spring-stat standpoint was Dustin Dickerson. The former Southern Miss infielder, now in the Royals’ system, hit .500 with a homer, four RBI and a 1.681 OPS in 2026 spring training, the kind of small-sample production that at least got attention in camp. Matthew Etzel also made a loud impression with the Marlins, batting .385 with a .929 OPS in 13 spring at-bats, while Reed Trimble hit .267 with two RBI for Baltimore and Matt Wallner logged a homer, three RBI and a .775 OPS for the Twins.
Wallner remains the standard-bearer for Southern Miss position players in affiliated ball. After hitting 22 home runs with a .775 OPS for Minnesota during the 2025 regular season, he came into 2026 camp still looking like a legitimate power option for the Twins. Nick Sandlin, meanwhile, landed with the Angels on a minor-league deal after reaching free agency and received a non-roster invite to camp following a 2025 season in which he posted a 2.20 ERA and 16 strikeouts in the majors.
Below is a player-by-player affiliated-baseball tracker of how former Golden Eagles are performing this spring,
Nick Monistere — Houston Astros Organization
Minor League Team (2025): Fayetteville (A)
Position: Outfielder
Bats/Throws: Right / Right
Southern Miss: 2023-2025 Round 4 Houston
Nick Monistere entered professional baseball in the Houston Astros organization following his standout career at Southern Miss. During 2026 Major League Spring Training, Monistere was listed on the Astros’ spring training roster and played in one game in Grapefruit League play in 2026. He drew a walk in his only at bat and came in as a late game defensive replacement at second base.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 1
At-Bats: 0
Hits: 0
Batting Average: .000
Home Runs: 0
RBI: 0
Stolen Bases: 0
OPS: 1.000
Monistere is expected to spend the 2026 season developing within the Astros farm system, likely beginning the year with the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Houston’s Low-A affiliate.
Dustin Dickerson — Kansas City Royals Organization
Minor League Team (2025): Northwest Arkansas (AA); Omaha (AAA)
Position: Shortstop
Bats/Throws: Right / Right
Southern Miss: 2021-2023 Round 8 Kansas City
Former Southern Miss shortstop Dustin Dickerson entered the 2026 season as part of the Kansas City Royals organization after being selected in the 8th round of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Dickerson received a look during 2026 Major League Spring Training, where he made the most of a limited number of opportunities at the plate.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 8
At-Bats: 8
Hits: 4
Batting Average: .500
Home Runs: 1
RBI: 4
Stolen Bases: 0
OPS: 1.681
Dickerson spent most of the 2025 season in the Kansas City system, appearing in 111 minor-league games between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha, where he hit .221 with five home runs and 21 stolen bases.
The Laurel native built a reputation at Southern Miss as one of the program’s most dependable infielders, starting nearly every game of his four-year career and earning First-Team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023 before turning pro.
Matthew Etzel — Miami Marlins Organization
Minor League Team (2025): Montgomery (AA), Jupiter (A), Pensacola (AA) Jacksonville (AAA)
Position: Outfielder
Bats/Throws: Left / Right
Southern Miss: 2023 Round 10 Baltimore
Matthew Etzel continued his climb through professional baseball in the Miami Marlins organization after being selected in the 10th round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles.
Etzel earned a non-roster invitation to Miami’s 2026 Major League Spring Training camp, where the former Golden Eagles standout impressed with his ability to get on base and create offense in limited opportunities.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 8
At-Bats: 13
Hits: 5
Batting Average: .385
Home Runs: 0
RBI: 2
Stolen Bases: 1
OPS: .929
Etzel spent the 2025 season across multiple levels of the Marlins system, after being traded from the Rays organization. Finishing with time at Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville. Over 92 games, he hit .248 with seven home runs, 49 RBI and 27 stolen bases, showcasing the speed and athleticism that made him one of Southern Miss’ most dynamic players in recent years.
The League City, Texas native starred in his lone season with the Golden Eagles in 2023, hitting .317 with seven home runs and 51 RBI while stealing 23 bases, helping lead Southern Miss to the NCAA postseason before beginning his professional career.
Reed Trimble — Baltimore Orioles Organization
Minor League Team (2025): Abderdeen (A+), Chesapeake (AA), Norfolk Tides (Triple-A)
Position: Outfielder
Bats/Throws: Switch / Right
Southern Miss: 2020-2021 Round 2 Baltimore
Reed Trimble continues to work his way toward the big leagues in the Baltimore Orioles organization after being selected in the 2nd round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Southern Miss. The Tupelo native has steadily climbed the Orioles farm system and earned time on the club’s Major League roster during the 2025 season.
Trimble also received an opportunity during 2026 Major League Spring Training, appearing in several Grapefruit League games for Baltimore as the organization evaluated outfield depth heading into the season.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 7
At-Bats: 15
Hits: 4
Batting Average: .267
Home Runs: 0
RBI: 1
Stolen Bases: 1
OPS: .455
During the 2025 season, Trimble reached Triple-A Norfolk, where he hit .259 with a .435 slugging percentage across his time at the level after a promotion from Double-A Chesapeake. A strong second half helped put him back on the Orioles’ radar after several seasons slowed by injuries.
Trimble was one of the most complete players in recent Southern Miss history. In 2021, he hit .345 with 17 home runs and 12 stolen bases, showcasing the power, speed, and defensive range that made him one of the top prospects in the program’s modern era.
Ryan Och — San Diego Padres Organization
Minor League Team (2025): San Antonio (AA)
Position: Pitcher
Throws: Left
Southern Miss: 2019-2021 Round 7 San Diego
Ryan Och remains part of the San Diego Padres organization after signing with the club as an undrafted free agent following his career at Southern Miss. The left-handed reliever has steadily climbed the Padres’ minor league system and reached the Double-A level with the San Antonio Missions.
Och received a non-roster invitation to Major League Spring Training in 2026, giving the former Golden Eagles pitcher an opportunity to work with the Padres’ big-league staff during camp before being reassigned to minor league camp ahead of the season.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 4
Innings Pitched: 3.1
Hits Allowed: 4
Runs Allowed: 1
Earned Runs: 1
Strikeouts: 2
Walks: 3
ERA: 2.70
During the 2025 season, Och appeared primarily for Double-A San Antonio, pitching in relief and continuing to build a reputation as a strike-throwing bullpen arm within the Padres system. The Minnesota native signed with San Diego in 2021 after finishing his college career at Southern Miss, where he worked both as a starter and reliever for the Golden Eagles pitching staff.
Hunter Stanley — Cleveland Guardians Organization
Minor League Team (2025): Akron (AA)
Position: Pitcher
Throws: Right
Southern Miss: 2019-2021 Round 11 Cleveland
Hunter Stanley continues his professional career in the Cleveland Guardians organization after being selected in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Southern Miss. The right-handed pitcher has worked both as a starter and reliever during his climb through Cleveland’s farm system and spent time at the Double-A level with the Akron RubberDucks.
Stanley received time in 2026 Major League Spring Training, making several appearances for Cleveland during Cactus League play before being reassigned to minor league camp ahead of the season.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 3
Innings Pitched: 2.1
Hits Allowed: 0
Runs Allowed: 0
Earned Runs: 0
Strikeouts: 1
Walks: 0
ERA: 0.00
Stanley has battled injuries during parts of his minor-league career but returned to the mound late in the 2025 season with Akron, making a pair of appearances before heading into the 2026 season healthy.
At Southern Miss, Stanley was one of the most dominant pitchers of the Scott Berry era. During the 2021 season, he posted a 2.31 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 102 innings, earning All-Conference USA and All-America honors while transitioning from a bullpen role into a full-time starter.
Walker Powell — Chicago Cubs Organization
Minor League Team (2025): Myrtle Beach (A), Knoxville (AA), Iowa (AAA)
Position: Pitcher
Bats/Throws: Right / Right
Southern Miss: 2016-2021 Undrafted
Walker Powell continues his professional career in the Chicago Cubs organization after signing with the club following his time at Southern Miss. The towering right-hander (6’8”) has steadily worked his way through the Cubs’ farm system and reached the Triple-A level with the Iowa Cubs.
Powell appeared in 2026 Major League Spring Training, making an early preseason appearance for Chicago before returning to minor league camp as the organization finalized its roster.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 1
Innings Pitched: 1.0
Hits Allowed: 2
Runs Allowed: 1
Earned Runs: 1
Strikeouts: 1
Walks: 1
ERA: 9.00
During the 2025 season, Powell pitched primarily in the Cubs’ upper minor league system, finishing with a 3.04 ERA over 12 appearances, throwing 50.1 innings with 36 strikeouts and a 1.05 WHIP while splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A.
Powell was a key arm for Southern Miss during the 2021 season, helping anchor the Golden Eagles pitching staff before beginning his professional career in the Cubs organization.
Matt Wallner — Minnesota Twins
Team (2025): Saint Paul (AAA); Minnesota (MLB)
Position: Outfielder
Bats/Throws: Left / Right
Southern Miss: 2017-2019 Round 1 Minnesota
Matt Wallner remains the most established big-league position player to come out of Southern Miss in recent years. The Minnesota Twins selected Wallner in the 1st round (39th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft, and the left-handed slugger has developed into one of the organization’s primary power bats.
Wallner returned to Major League Spring Training with Minnesota in 2026, competing for a starting corner outfield role as the Twins prepared for the upcoming season.
2026 Spring Training Stats
Games: 13
At-Bats: 28
Hits: 7
Batting Average: .250
Home Runs: 1
RBI: 3
Stolen Bases: 1
OPS: .775
During the 2025 MLB season, Wallner appeared in 104 games for Minnesota, hitting .202 with 22 home runs and 40 RBI while continuing to showcase the left-handed power that made him one of the most feared hitters in Southern Miss history.
The Forest Lake, Minnesota native put together one of the greatest careers ever by a Golden Eagles hitter. From 2017-2019, Wallner hit 58 career home runs, earned First-Team All-America honors, and was twice named Conference USA Player of the Year, helping elevate Southern Miss baseball to national prominence before beginning his professional career.
Former Golden Eagles in Professional Baseball: Here is a look at where former Golden Eagles are currently playing in major and minor league baseball heading into the 2026 season:
Nick Sandlin — Last 2025 Team (Level): Toronto (MLB) | 2026 Organization: Los Angeles Angels | Year Drafted: 2018 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 2, #67, by CLE)
Matt Wallner — Last 2025 Team (Level): Minnesota (MLB) | 2026 Organization: Minnesota Twins | Year Drafted: 2019 | No. Round/Pick: (CBA, #39)
Jake Cook — Last 2025 Team (Level): Unassigned | 2026 Organization: Toronto Blue Jays | Year Drafted: 2025 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 3, #81)
Dustin Dickerson — Last 2025 Team (Level): NW Arkansas (AA) | 2026 Organization: Kansas City Royals | Year Drafted: 2023 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 8, #229)
Matthew Etzel — Last 2025 Team (Level): Jacksonville (AAA) | 2026 Organization: Miami Marlins | Year Drafted: 2023 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 10, #301, by BALT)
Michael Fowler — Last 2025 Team (Level): Carolina (A) | 2026 Organization: Milwaukee Brewers | Year Drafted: UDFA (’25) | No. Round/Pick: UDFA
Tanner Hall — Last 2025 Team (Level): Cedar Rapids (High A) | 2026 Organization: Minnesota Twins | Year Drafted: 2023 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 4, #114)
Landon Harper — Last 2025 Team (Level): Columbus (AA) | 2026 Organization: Atlanta Braves | Year Drafted: 2022 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 14, #425)
Niko Mazza — Last 2025 Team (Level): San Jose (A) | 2026 Organization: San Francisco Giants | Year Drafted: 2024 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 8, #238)
Dalton McIntyre — Last 2025 Team (Level): Rome (High A) | 2026 Organization: Atlanta Braves | Year Drafted: 2024 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 19, #581)
JB Middleton — Last 2025 Team (Level): Unassigned | 2026 Organization: Colorado Rockies | Year Drafted: 2025 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 2, #45)
Nick Monistere — Last 2025 Team (Level): Fayetteville (A) | 2026 Organization: Houston Astros | Year Drafted: 2025 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 4, #126)
Ryan Och — Last 2025 Team (Level): San Antonio (AA) | 2026 Organization: San Diego Padres | Year Drafted: 2021 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 7, #220)
Billy Oldham — Last 2025 Team (Level): Fort Myers (A) | 2026 Organization: Minnesota Twins | Year Drafted: UDFA (’24) | No. Round/Pick: UDFA
Walker Powell — Last 2025 Team (Level): Iowa (AAA) | 2026 Organization: Chicago Cubs | Year Drafted: UDFA (’21) | No. Round/Pick: UDFA
Chuckie Robinson* — Last 2025 Team (Level): Gwinnett (AAA) | 2026 Organization: Los Angeles Dodgers | Year Drafted: 2016 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 21, #637 by HOU)
Dalton Rogers — Last 2025 Team (Level): Portland (AA) | 2026 Organization: Boston Red Sox | Year Drafted: 2022 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 3, #99)
Christopher Sargent — Last 2025 Team (Level): San Antonio (AA) | 2026 Organization: San Diego Padres | Year Drafted: UDFA (’23) | No. Round/Pick: UDFA
Hunter Stanley — Last 2025 Team (Level): Akron (AA) | 2026 Organization: Cleveland Guardians | Year Drafted: 2021 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 11, #336)
Justin Storm — Last 2025 Team (Level): Beloit (High A) | 2026 Organization: Miami Marlins | Year Drafted: 2023 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 7, #203)
Tyler Stuart — Last 2025 Team (Level): Harrisburg (AA) | 2026 Organization: Washington Nationals | Year Drafted: 2022 | No. Round/Pick: (Rd. 6, #179 by NYM)
Reed Trimble — Last 2025 Team (Level): Norfolk (AAA) | 2026 Organization: Baltimore Orioles | Year Drafted: 2021 | No. Round/Pick: (CBB, #65)
Played in MLB; # 7-Day Injured List; $ 60-Day Injured List; & Rehab assignment
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