RIDGELAND, MS — The 2026 Magnolia State Games was held on Tuesday June 9 and Wednesday June 10 at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland, MS that featured top talent from the 2027-2030 classes. Players went through a pro-style workout with TrackMan and VALD Performance tech, while pitchers threw in a game play setting and were able to get data and metrics on our TrackMan unit.

Some prospects built on past showings, while others made strong first impressions.

We continue our post-event coverage with a look at some of the standout catchers from the event, with more breakdowns and full scouting reports coming soon.

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QUICK HITS: CATCHERS

Jed Rodden C / 3B / Jackson Academy, MS / 2028 Jed Rodden (2028) is a catcher out of Jackson Academy who has developed into one of the top defensive backstops in Mississippi’s 2028 class. Behind the plate, Rodden stands out with advanced receiving skills, quick feet, and rapid transfers that translate into impressive pop times. He posted a 1.94 pop time at the event and has been clocked as low as 1.85, while showing a strong 78 mph arm from behind the plate that helps neutralize the running game. His defensive polish and athleticism already separate him from many of his peers. Offensively, the right-handed hitter continues to make strides as well. Rodden works with a line-drive approach, showing feel for the barrel and producing exit velocities up to 94.7 mph. He also displayed his athleticism with a 6.80-second 60-yard dash, a standout time for a catcher. His versatility adds another layer to his profile, as he has the ability to play multiple positions and showed arm strength up to 85 mph across the infield. With his combination of defensive ability, athleticism, offensive upside, and versatility, Rodden is a prospect who should begin attracting plenty of attention from recruiters in the near future.

Jasper Moran OF / C / st patricks, MS / 2027 Jasper Moran (2027) is an uncommitted catcher out of St. Patrick High School who possesses one of the more intriguing combinations of size, strength, and positional versatility in his class. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Moran already has a very strong frame and still has room for continued development, which only adds to his long-term upside. Behind the plate, he continues to produce solid defensive metrics, posting a 1.99 pop time while showing a strong 79 mph arm from the catching position. His quick transfer and arm strength allow him to effectively control the running game. Moran’s athleticism also allows him to provide value beyond the catcher position. He showed the ability to play the outfield as well, reaching 86 mph on throws with accuracy and carry. Offensively, the right-handed hitter brings legitimate current power to the plate. His approach is geared toward doing damage, working primarily to the pull side with some loft in the swing that allows him to elevate and drive the baseball. The combination of present strength, defensive ability, versatility, and power potential makes Moran a prospect who should attract plenty of attention. He may be uncommitted now, but it would not be surprising to see that change in the near future.

Gage Dalferes C / RHP / Biloxi, MS / 2027 Gage Dalferes (2027) out of Biloxi HS is a physically strong catcher with a durable 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame and promising offensive upside. He already produces quality defensive metrics with a 1.96 pop time and 78 mph catcher velo, showing the arm strength and quick transfer needed to control the running game. At the plate, Dalferes has shown exit velocities up to 93 mph and a max distance of 355 feet, working primarily from the middle of the field to the pull side with some loft in the swing. The strength and power are evident now, and there is still room for additional development as he continues to mature. Overall, he profiles as a power-oriented catching prospect with the physicality, arm strength, and offensive potential that make him worth a long look from recruiters.

Drew Stanton C / OF / Myrtle Attendance Center, MS / 2028 Drew Stanton (2028) of Myrtle High School is one of the more physically impressive young prospects in Mississippi, standing at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds with a strong, durable frame and significant offensive upside. The left-handed hitter already possesses game-changing power, producing exit velocities up to 101 mph and showing that the ball comes off his bat differently than most players in his age group. There is current pop in the profile with even more power likely on the way as he continues to mature physically. Stanton combines that strength with solid athleticism, turning in a 7.0-second 60-yard dash, an impressive mark for a player with his build. Behind the plate, Stanton continues to show he can handle the demands of the position, posting a 1.90 pop time with a 77 mph catcher velocity. His arm strength and physicality give him the tools to remain a valuable defensive asset, while his versatility also allows him to contribute at multiple positions when needed. Ultimately, it is the bat that makes him stand out. The combination of size, left-handed power, athleticism, and defensive ability gives Stanton one of the highest ceilings in the 2028 class. He is a must-see prospect and a player every recruiter should make a point to evaluate.

Chase Putman C / Lamar School, MS / 2027 Chase Putman (2027) of Lamar School is a catcher who continues to establish himself as one of the better defensive backstops in Mississippi’s 2027 class. Behind the plate, Putman showed outstanding quickness with his feet and transfer, producing the event's best pop time at 1.84 seconds while reaching 77 mph from the catcher position. His ability to get rid of the baseball quickly and accurately makes him a legitimate weapon in controlling the running game. Offensively, Putman brings a simple, effective approach to the plate. He works primarily with a line-drive approach, consistently staying through the middle of the field and producing quality contact. His batting practice round featured exit velocities up to 93.5 mph, showing there is more strength and offensive upside in the profile than the compact frame might initially suggest. With his advanced defensive skills, offensive consistency, and overall feel for the game, Putman is definitely a player recruiters need to get out and see this spring.

Brennan Walker C / OF / Tishomingo County High School, MS / 2029 Brennan Walker (2029) of Tishomingo County is a young catcher whose development behind the plate is progressing quickly. Walker showed a solid defensive skill set throughout the event, displaying good footwork, easy transfers, and a natural feel for the position. His arm strength was evident with catcher velocities up to 75 mph, and he recorded pop times down to 1.95 seconds, impressive numbers for a player in the 2029 class. The defensive foundation is already in place, and there is plenty of room for continued growth as he gains experience. Offensively, Walker features an advanced and polished swing from the right side of the plate. He consistently stayed on the baseball during batting practice and showed the ability to produce quality contact with exit velocities reaching the mid-80s. There is additional strength and power still to come as he matures physically, making the offensive ceiling even more exciting. With a strong catching foundation, developing arm strength, and an advanced offensive approach for his age, Walker is definitely a young prospect worth keeping a close eye on moving forward.

Griffin Moss C / 3B / Houston, MS / 2029 Griffin Moss (2029) of Houston High School is a promising young catching prospect with a physical 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame and plenty of upside remaining. A former Junior Future Gamer, Moss continues to develop into a well-rounded player and already shows a solid foundation behind the plate. Defensively, he recorded catcher velocities up to 74 mph and pop times as low as 1.97 seconds, demonstrating the arm strength and receiving tools needed to remain behind the dish long term. Offensively, the right-handed hitter is beginning to show some real promise as well. Moss produced exit velocities up to 96 mph on TrackMan, flashing current pop that should continue to grow as he matures physically. His combination of size, strength, and developing offensive tools makes him an intriguing prospect in the 2029 class. With continued refinement both offensively and defensively, Moss has the potential to become one of the more notable young catchers in the state. He is definitely a player worth keeping a close eye on moving forward.

Carson Richardson C / RHP / Baldwyn Career Advancement Center, MS / 2029 Carson Richardson (2029) of Baldwyn High School is another young catcher in a talented Mississippi class who is trending in the right direction. At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Richardson already possesses a solid frame with strength present and more physical development still ahead. Behind the plate, he showed arm strength up to 78 mph and recorded a 2.03 pop time, while continuing to make strides with his footwork and transfer quickness. As those areas continue to improve, the defensive profile has a chance to take another step forward. Offensively, the left-handed hitter brings plenty of upside. Richardson produced exit velocities into the mid-90s, showcasing impressive bat speed and strength for his age. His approach is geared toward the pull side with some natural loft in the swing, allowing him to drive the baseball with authority and project for even more power as he matures. The combination of size, left-handed power potential, and developing catching skills makes Richardson a very interesting prospect in the 2029 class. He is a player we look forward to watching continue his development throughout his high school career.

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UPCOMING 2026 SUMMER EVENTS ⤵️

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
Central Mississippi Summer ID	06/23	Clinton HS - Clinton, MS
Central Mississppi Rising Stars ID	06/23	Clinton HS - Clinton, MS
Starkville Summer ID	06/30	Starkville HS - Starkville, MS
Starkville Rising Stars ID	06/30	Starkville HS - Starkville, MS
Hattiesburg Summer ID	07/07	University of Southern Miss - Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg Rising Stars ID	07/07	University of Southern Miss - Hattiesburg, MS
Oxford Summer ID	07/14	Oxford HS - Oxford, MS
Oxford Rising Stars ID	07/14	Oxford HS - Oxford, MS
Jackson Summer ID	08/08	Jackson Prep - Flowood, MS
Jackson Rising Stars ID	08/08	Jackson Prep - Flowood, MS

 

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