​STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball signee Denton Lord has announced that he will join the Bulldogs in 2027 rather than pursuing an MLB contract after this year’s draft. The news came via Instagram shortly after the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft concluded on July 12.
Lord, a towering right-handed pitcher from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, was ranked as the No. 80 prospect in the draft. Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing approximately 220 pounds, the South Walton High School product has developed into one of the more intriguing arms in his class. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and can touch 98 mph, delivering heat with command that has drawn attention from scouts and college programs alike. In addition to his heater, he features a curveball in the upper 70s and a changeup that sits in the low 80s, giving him a varied pitch mix that could play well in a college rotation and potentially beyond.
Lord previously flipped his commitment from the University of Florida to Mississippi State in November, a switch that occurred under the leadership of head coach Brian O’Connor during the program’s new era. The decision to re-commit to MSU came after a standout season at South Walton, where he helped lead the team to the FHSAA Class 3A state championship, underscoring his potential to impact a college program at a high level.
This announcement marks the second time Mississippi State has publicly confirmed plans for a 2027 arrival from its 2026 signing class. Earlier, Noah Danza, a shortstop who was ranked as the No. 239 draft prospect, withdrew from the MLB Draft before it began, signaling another path for a top recruit to eventually don the Maroon and White in the future.
As the MLB Draft shifted through its rounds, MSU fans watched closely to see how the class would shape up for the 2027 season. The Bulldogs have emphasized long-term development and recruiting depth, aiming to build a program that sustains competitive success while integrating high-ceiling talents like Lord. Lord’s decision to forego an immediate MLB opportunity in favor of college baseball at Mississippi State reflects a broader trend among prospects who prioritize advanced development, education, and the chance to contribute to a program with a proven track record of producing professional-level pitchers.
At Mississippi State, Lord will have the opportunity to refine his mechanics, adapt to a more rigorous collegiate schedule, and immerse himself in a coaching environment renowned for developing pitchers. His combination of size, velocity, and breaking ball ability provides a compelling projection for his future role with the Bulldogs, whether in the starting rotation or in a high-leverage bullpen role as he progresses through his college career.
Sam Sklar covers Mississippi State for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached via email at ssklar@usatodayco.com, and he can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) at @sklarsam_. This article originally appeared in the Mississippi Clarion Ledger and has been updated to reflect Denton Lord’s decision to pursue a college career at Mississippi State for the 2027 season, highlighting the squad’s continued development pipeline and recruitment strategy.