It is that time of year in college baseball. Programs around the country have to trim their rosters in advance of the spring semester. Those cuts have been a little deeper this go around as the NCAA has reduced the roster size from 40 to 34. Prior to the COVD crisis of 2020, the squad size was 35. The NCAA relaxed those guidelines to allow more players to remain in college baseball and increased the limit to 40. Now that the world has returned to a sense of normalcy, the number of players available are shrinking back closer to pre-COVID roster spots.
So far, Mississippi State baseball has seen one returning Diamond Dawg begin the transfer process. RHP Will Passeau is the first returning player from the 2024 roster to facilitate a change of college address.
Passeau was a standout two-way player at Pearl River Community College prior to his time in Starkville. As a freshman in 2022, Passeau was part of a Wildcat team that won the NJCAA Division II national title. In 2023, Passeau was selected first team All-MACCC for his work as a pitcher and an outfielder. In his two years in Poplarville, Passeau had a combined pitching record of 13-4. His final season on the JuCo level saw the Mobile, Alabama product hit .306 with four home runs and 17 RBI. On the mound, Passeau posted a crisp 2.26 ERA to go along with 87 strikeouts against 28 walks.
In the fall of 2023, Passeau showed some promise at Mississippi State. There was some chatter about him working in relief once the season rolled around. Passeau ultimately redshirted during the 2024 season. He should have two years to play two at his next stop should he elect to take full advantage of his allotted eligibility.
While Passeau is the first known roster adjustment ahead of the 2025 season, he will not be the last. Coach Chris Lemonis and his staff had to make some difficult decisions following a very competitive fall that saw a host of newcomers come right in to challenge for roles once the team takes the field in February.
Mississippi State returned to the post season last year for the first time since winning the 2021 National Championship. The Bulldogs were a strong #2 seed in the NCAA tournament and were sent to Charlottesville, Virginia for an NCAA Regional. The Bulldogs failed to advance to the Supers.
The Diamond Dawgs will kick off the 2025 season at home Valentine’s Day weekend against the Jaspers of Manhattan. Expectations are always high in Starkville and fans are hungry for post season baseball to be played at Dudy Noble Field. Mississippi State has been ranked in the top 20 in some pre-season polls, so the Bulldogs should have the chance to play towards a potential hosting regional opportunity.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
