Southern Miss baseball has built one of the most consistent player-development pipelines in college baseball, and the 2026 professional season is another reminder that Pete Taylor Park is still sending players into every corner of the sport.
From Matt Wallner trying to slug his way back into a long-term Major League role, to Nick Sandlin bouncing between Toronto and Triple-A, to younger names grinding through the lower levels, former Golden Eagles are scattered across Major League Baseball, Triple-A, Double-A, High-A, Single-A and independent baseball.
With the 2026 Southern Miss baseball season over. Here is a look at how Southern Miss baseball alumni are doing in the pros during the 2026 season.
OF Matt Wallner – St. Paul Saints (AAA) – Twins
Hometown: Forrest Lake, MN
Years at Southern Miss: 2017-19
Drafted: 2019 Round 1 Minnesota
2026 Stats
MLB: .167 AVG, 4 HR, 10 RBI, .551 OPS (120 AB)
AAA: .275 AVG, 5 HR, 14 RBI, .895 OPS (76 AB)
Wallner has experienced two very different seasons in 2026. While he has struggled to consistently impact the baseball at the Major League level, he was sent to St. Paul in mid-May where he has continued to show the power that made him one of the most dangerous hitters in Southern Miss history whenever he has been sent back to St. Paul. His Triple-A numbers suggest the bat speed and power remain intact, and another extended opportunity in Minnesota is likely coming.
P Nick Sandlin – Toledo Mud Hens (AAA) – Tigers
Hometown: Evans, GA
Years at Southern Miss: 2016-18
Drafted: 2018 Round 2 Cleveland
2026 Stats
MLB (LA Angels): 0-1, 11.42 ERA, 6 K, 1.62 WHIP (8.2 IP)
AAA (Salt Lake/Toledo): 2-0, 2.30 ERA, 14 K, 1.09 WHIP (15.2 IP)
Nick Sandlin’s 2026 season has been a roller coaster. The former Southern Miss All-American opened the year in the Los Angeles Angels organization and impressed enough during spring training to earn a spot on the Major League roster. However, after struggling through eight appearances with the Angels, posting an 11.42 ERA in 8.2 innings, Sandlin was designated for assignment in early May before electing free agency.
Rather than letting the setback define his season, Sandlin quickly landed with the Detroit Tigers organization on a minor league contract and was assigned to Triple-A Toledo. Since arriving with the Mud Hens, he has looked much more like the dependable reliever who spent parts of five seasons in the Major Leagues. Through his first 12.2 innings with Toledo, Sandlin owns a 2.84 ERA with 13 strikeouts while providing experienced bullpen depth for a Tigers organization with postseason aspirations. At just 29 years old and with more than 230 Major League appearances on his résumé, Sandlin remains one of the most accomplished former Golden Eagles in professional baseball and a strong candidate to return to the big leagues before the end of the season.
P Hurston Waldrep – Atlanta Braves (Injured List)
Hometown: Thomasville, GA
Years at Southern Miss: 2021-22
Drafted: 2023 Round 1 Atlanta
2026 Stats: Has Not Played
After a successful 2025 season that saw him continue his climb through the Atlanta Braves organization and make valuable contributions at the upper levels of the minors, Hurston Waldrep has spent the entire 2026 season on the injured list. The hard-throwing right-hander remains one of the most talented pitchers to come through Southern Miss in recent years, even if his time in Hattiesburg was brief. Waldrep transferred to the University of Florida following the 2022 season, a decision that disappointed many Southern Miss fans who had hoped to see him continue his development in the Black and Gold. Despite the mixed feelings that surrounded his departure, there is little debate about his talent. Since becoming a first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2023, Waldrep has established himself as one of the organization’s top pitching prospects. While injuries have sidelined him throughout 2026, the former Golden Eagle remains firmly on the radar as a potential future Major League starter once he returns to full health.
C Chuckie Robinson – Oklahoma City Comets (AAA) – Dodgers
Hometown: Danville, IL
Years at Southern Miss: 2014-16
Drafted: 2016 Round 21 Houston
2026 Stats (AAA Oklahoma City): 19 G, .290 AVG, 20 H, 4 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 7 R, 7 BB, 11 SO
One of the most accomplished former Southern Miss players still active in professional baseball, Chuckie Robinson continues to thrive in his ninth professional season. The veteran catcher is batting .290 with 20 hits, eight extra-base hits, and 18 RBI through his first 19 games with the Oklahoma City Comets, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Robinson’s professional journey has already included 51 Major League games with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox organizations, making him one of only a handful of former Golden Eagles currently possessing big-league experience. Known for his defensive skills, leadership, and ability to manage a pitching staff, Robinson has established himself as a valuable organizational catcher and remains just one call away from returning to the Major Leagues. His strong start at Oklahoma City demonstrates that he still has plenty left in the tank as he continues one of the most successful professional careers of any Southern Miss catcher in recent memory.
OF Reed Trimble – Norfolk Tides (AAA) – Orioles
Hometown: Brandon, MS
Years at Southern Miss: 2020-21
Drafted: 2021 Round 2 Baltimore
2026 Stats by Level
Norfolk Tides (AAA)
.200 AVG, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB, 1.133 OPS (10 AB)
Frederick Keys (A+) (Rehab Assignment)
.286 AVG, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 1.066 OPS (21 AB)
Delmarva Shorebirds (A) (Rehab Assignment)
.250 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1.500 OPS (4 AB)
Combined 2026 Stats
.257 AVG, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 1 SB, 1.141 OPS (35 AB)
Reed Trimble’s 2026 season has been one of the more frustrating yet encouraging stories among former Southern Miss players in professional baseball. After being added to Baltimore’s 40-man roster during the offseason, the former Golden Eagle entered the year viewed as a legitimate candidate to make his Major League debut sometime in 2026. However, injuries once again interrupted his season, limiting him to just 35 at-bats through early June.
Despite the limited playing time, Trimble has been electric whenever he has been on the field. During a rehab assignment, he blasted three home runs for Frederick and added another homer at Delmarva before returning to Triple-A Norfolk. Across all three levels, he has hit six home runs and driven in 11 runs while posting an eye-popping 1.141 OPS. His combination of power, speed, defensive versatility, and switch-hitting ability continues to make him one of the Orioles’ most intriguing outfield prospects. Currently on the 7-day injured list with Norfolk, the biggest challenge for Trimble remains staying healthy long enough to showcase the talent that has put him on the doorstep of the Major Leagues.
OF Matthew Etzel – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA) – Marlins
Hometown: League City, TX
Years at Southern Miss: 2023
Drafted: 2023 Round 10 Baltimore
2026 Stats
46 G, .237 AVG, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 6 SB, .320 OBP, .393 SLG, .713 OPS (173 AB)
Matthew Etzel’s first full season in the Miami Marlins organization has been a mix of adjustment and flashes of the dynamic player Southern Miss fans remember. After being acquired by Miami at the 2025 trade deadline, Etzel opened 2026 with Triple-A Jacksonville and has steadily become a contributor in one of the toughest levels of minor league baseball. Through 46 games, the former Golden Eagle is hitting .237 with seven home runs, 30 RBI, and six stolen bases while showing the power-speed combination that has made him an intriguing prospect throughout his professional career.
While the overall numbers may not jump off the page compared to some of his previous stops, Etzel has shown signs of settling in as the season progresses. In early May, he delivered one of his best performances of the year, reaching base five times and driving in four runs during a Jacksonville victory over Durham. The 24-year-old has now been traded twice since being drafted by Baltimore in 2023, but his athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to impact games both at the plate and on the bases continue to make him a prospect worth watching in the Marlins system. If he can continue to improve his consistency against Triple-A pitching, a Major League opportunity could be within reach over the next year.
SS Dustin Dickerson – Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA) – Royals
Hometown: Soso, MS
Years at Southern Miss: 2020-23
Drafted: 2023 Round 8 Kansas City
2026 Stats:
Northwest Arkansas (AA): 18 G, .234 AVG, 15 H, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB, .753 OPS
Omaha (AAA): 21 G, .177 AVG, 11 H, 4 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .589 OPS
Combined: 39 G, .205 AVG, 26 H, 10 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 4 SB
Dustin Dickerson continues to climb the professional ladder in the Kansas City Royals organization, reaching Triple-A Omaha after beginning the season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. The former Southern Miss infielder showed flashes of the all-around game that made him a fan favorite in Hattiesburg, collecting 15 hits, including six doubles, while stealing four bases in 18 games at Double-A before earning a promotion. Since arriving in Omaha, Dickerson has continued to provide versatility and defensive value while adjusting to the highest level of minor league baseball. Although the offensive numbers have dipped against Triple-A pitching, the fact that he has already reached Omaha is a testament to his steady development since entering professional baseball. With the ability to play multiple positions and contribute in a variety of ways, Dickerson remains firmly on the radar as he looks to continue his ascent through the Royals system.
P Hunter Stanley – Akron RubberDucks (AA) – Guardians
Hometown: Hammond, LA
Years at Southern Miss: 2019-21
Drafted: 2021 Round 11 Cleveland
2026 Stats: 17 G, 0-2, 7.17 ERA, 21.1 IP, 29 H, 17 ER, 12 BB, 9 K
After overcoming Tommy John surgery earlier in his professional career, Hunter Stanley has continued his climb through the Cleveland Guardians organization and reached Double-A Akron during the 2026 season. The former Southern Miss right-hander has been effective in a relief role, posting a 3.00 ERA while striking out 11 batters in nine innings of work. Known for his power arm and ability to miss bats, Stanley has steadily worked his way back into form and remains one of the more intriguing pitching prospects to come out of Hattiesburg in recent years. The Guardians have built a reputation as one of baseball’s best organizations at developing pitchers, and Stanley’s progression to Double-A is another encouraging sign that he could continue moving toward the upper levels of professional baseball if he remains healthy.
1B Christopher Sargent – San Antonio Missions (AA) – Padres
Hometown: Wilmer, AL
Years at Southern Miss: 2021-23
Drafted: 2023 Undrafted
2026 Stats: 22 G, .145 AVG, 9 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, .221 OBP, .242 SLG
Christopher Sargent is continuing his professional career at the Double-A level with the San Antonio Missions in the San Diego Padres organization. While the former Southern Miss first baseman has endured a difficult start to the 2026 season offensively, batting .145 with two home runs and five RBI through 22 games, simply reaching and remaining at the Double-A level is a significant accomplishment. Sargent has long been known for his power potential and run-producing ability, traits that helped make him one of the most feared hitters in the Southern Miss lineup during his collegiate career.
P Tyler Stuart – Harrisburg Senators (AA) – Nationals
Hometown: Kankakee, IL
Years at Southern Miss: 2019-22
Drafted: 2022 Round 6 NY Mets
2026 Stats: Has Not Played (Injured List)
After reaching Double-A and putting himself firmly on the radar as a legitimate Major League prospect, Tyler Stuart has unfortunately not appeared in a game during the 2026 season due to injury. The former Southern Miss right-hander remains one of the most successful pitchers to come out of Hattiesburg in recent years, using his imposing 6-foot-9 frame and power arsenal to climb through the New York Mets and Washington Nationals organizations. Stuart entered the season with a career 3.44 ERA and nearly 300 strikeouts in the minor leagues, numbers that helped establish him as one of the Nationals’ better pitching prospects. While injuries have kept him off the mound throughout 2026, the 25-year-old still possesses the size, stuff, and professional track record that could eventually earn him an opportunity at the Major League level once he returns to full health. For now, the focus is simply getting healthy and back on the mound as he continues his pursuit of the big leagues.
P Landon Harper – Columbus Clingstones (AA) – Braves
Hometown: Meridian, MS
Years at Southern Miss: 2022
Drafted: 2022 Round 14 Atlanta
2026 Stats: Has Not Played (Injured List)
After reaching Double-A in the Atlanta Braves organization, Landon Harper has spent the entire 2026 season on the injured list and has yet to make an appearance. The former Southern Miss right-hander continues to be one of several Golden Eagle pitchers working their way through professional baseball after helping establish the program’s reputation for developing quality arms. Harper enjoyed a solid 2025 campaign, advancing to Double-A and positioning himself just a few steps away from the Major Leagues before injuries halted his momentum. While the lost season is undoubtedly frustrating, the 25-year-old remains a member of one of baseball’s strongest organizations and still has plenty of time to resume his climb once healthy. For now, the focus is on rehabilitation and returning to the mound, where the Braves hope he can continue building on the progress that carried him to the upper levels of the minor leagues.
P Justin Storm – Beloit Sky Carp (High-A) – Marlins
Hometown: Madison, MS
Years at Southern Miss: 2021-23
Drafted: 2023 Round 7 Miami
2026 Stats: 16 G, 1-1, 2.66 ERA, 23.2 IP, 15 H, 7 ER, 30 K
Justin Storm has quietly put together one of the most impressive seasons of any former Southern Miss pitcher in professional baseball during 2026. Pitching for the Beloit Sky Carp, the High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, the left-hander has posted a stellar 2.66 ERA through 16 appearances while striking out 30 batters in just 23.2 innings. Perhaps most impressive is Storm’s command, as he has not issued a single home run and only 13 walks all season, showcasing the pinpoint control that has helped him emerge as a promising arm in the Marlins system. Opposing hitters have managed just 15 hits against him, and his ability to consistently throw strikes while missing bats has made him one of the most effective relievers at his level.
OF Dalton McIntyre – Rome Emperors (High-A) – Braves
Hometown: Jackson, TN
Years of Southern Miss: 2024
Drafted: 2024 Round 19 Atlanta
2026 Stats:
Augusta (Single-A): 29 G, .320 AVG, 33 H, 4 2B, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 10 SB, .386 OBP, .476 SLG
Rome (High-A): 11 G, .241 AVG, 7 H, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 1 SB, .333 OBP, .276 SLG
Combined: 40 G, .302 AVG, 40 H, 5 2B, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 11 SB
Dalton McIntyre has been one of the breakout performers among former Southern Miss players in professional baseball during the 2026 season. The versatile infielder began the year with the Augusta GreenJackets, where he hit an impressive .320 with four home runs, 21 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 29 games, earning a promotion to High-A Rome in the Atlanta Braves organization. Since arriving in Rome, McIntyre has continued to contribute while adjusting to a higher level of competition, helping push his combined batting average above .300 for the season. Known for his athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, McIntyre has emerged as one of the more intriguing position players in the Braves’ farm system. His strong first half has put him firmly on the radar as he looks to continue climbing the organizational ladder in one of baseball’s deepest player-development systems.
P Michael Fowler – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (High-A) – Brewers
Hometown: Trussville, AL
Years at Southern Miss: 2025
Drafted: 2025 Undrafted
2026 Stats: 9 G, 0-1, 4.38 ERA, 12.1 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 6 K
Michael Fowler has continued his professional career in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, spending the 2026 season with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the High-A Midwest League. The former Southern Miss right-hander has appeared in nine games, posting a 4.38 ERA over 12.1 innings of work while allowing just 10 hits. Although command has been a challenge at times, Fowler has shown flashes of the arm talent that helped him reach the professional ranks, and he continues to gain valuable experience against advanced hitters.
P Ryan Och – Fort Wayne TinCaps (High-A) – Padres
Hometown: Chanhassen, MN
Years at Southern Miss: 2019-21
Drafted: 2021 Round 7 Minnesota
2026 Stats: 2 G, 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3.86 ERA
Ryan Och’s 2026 season has been largely defined by injury, limiting the former Southern Miss left-hander to just two appearances with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. In his brief time on the mound, Och allowed just two hits and one earned run across 2.1 innings of work before landing on the injured list. While the small sample size makes it difficult to evaluate his season statistically, simply getting healthy and returning to regular action remains the primary goal. The former Golden Eagle has continued to progress through the Padres organization since beginning his professional career and remains another example of Southern Miss’ ability to develop professional-caliber pitching. If he can return to full strength during the second half of the season, Och will look to regain the momentum that injuries have temporarily stalled in 2026.
P Tanner Hall – Cedar Rapids Kernels (A+) – Twins
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Years at Southern Miss: 2021-23
Drafted: 2023 Round 4 Minnesota
2026 Stats: Has Not Played (Injured)
One of the most decorated pitchers in Southern Miss baseball history, Tanner Hall has yet to appear in a professional game during the 2026 season. The former Golden Eagle ace was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft after helping lead Southern Miss to one of the most successful stretches in program history. Hall built his reputation in Hattiesburg through exceptional command, competitiveness, and an ability to consistently win big games, finishing his collegiate career as one of the most accomplished pitchers ever to wear the Black and Gold. While injuries and rehabilitation have kept him off the mound this season, Hall remains a highly respected arm within the Twins organization.
P JB Middleton – Fresno Grizzlies (A) – Rockies
Hometown: Benton, MS
Years at Southern Miss: 2023-25
Drafted: 2025 Round 2 Colorado
2026 Stats: 5 GS, 0-0, 4.95 ERA, 20.0 IP, 21 H, 11 ER, 13 BB, 18 K
One of the highest-drafted players in recent Southern Miss history, JB Middleton is getting his first extended taste of professional baseball in the Colorado Rockies organization after being selected 45th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. Pitching for the Fresno Grizzlies, the former Golden Eagle has made five starts during the 2026 season, posting a 4.95 ERA while striking out 18 batters in 20 innings of work. The numbers reflect both the promise and adjustment period that often accompany a young pitcher’s transition to professional baseball. Middleton’s strikeout ability has continued to translate, as evidenced by nearly a strikeout per inning, while refining his command remains a key area of development. Armed with a lively fastball and the competitive mentality that made him one of the Sun Belt Conference’s top pitchers, Middleton remains one of the most intriguing prospects in the Rockies system.
OF Jake Cook – Dunedin Blue Jays (A) – Blue Jays
Hometown: Madison, MS
Years at Southern Miss: 2024-25
Drafted: 2024 Round 3 Toronto
2026 Stats: 14 G, .204 AVG, 11 H, 2 2B, 8 RBI, 6 SB, .333 OBP, .241 SLG
One of the newest former Golden Eagles in professional baseball, Jake Cook is beginning his journey in the Toronto Blue Jays organization after being selected in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Playing with the Dunedin Blue Jays, Cook has already shown some of the tools that made him such an attractive prospect coming out of Southern Miss. While he is batting .204 through his first 14 games, the speedy outfielder has reached base at a .333 clip, driven in eight runs, and stolen six bases. Those numbers highlight the athleticism and versatility that helped make him one of the most dynamic players in college baseball.
2B Nick Monistere – Fayetteville Woodpeckers (A) – Astros
Hometown: Flowood, MS
Years at Southern Miss: 2023-25
Drafted: 2025 Round 4 Houston
2026 Stats: 25 G, .250 AVG, 20 H, 6 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 15 SB, .392 OBP, .413 SLG
Nick Monistere has made an impressive transition to professional baseball during his first full season in the Houston Astros organization. Playing for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the former Southern Miss infielder has showcased the all-around skill set that made him one of the Sun Belt Conference’s most dynamic players. Through 25 games, Monistere is hitting .250 with nine extra-base hits, 11 RBI, and an impressive 15 stolen bases, while posting a strong .392 on-base percentage. His ability to get on base and create havoc on the basepaths has quickly become one of his biggest strengths at the professional level. The Astros have long valued athletic, versatile players, and Monistere’s combination of speed, defensive ability, and offensive upside has already made him a player to watch in their farm system. If he continues producing at this pace, he could position himself for a promotion as the season progresses.
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