​Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th round of the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12, with the pick number 312 and a slot value of $191,900. Chance, who has no remaining college eligibility, departs Mississippi State as a beloved figure among Bulldog fans. A Ridgeland native, he walked on to the program in 2022, saw no game action as a freshman, and then developed into a three-year regular starter.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, Chance was not known for towering power, totaling 14 career home runs for Mississippi State, including two in the 2026 season. Yet he distinguished himself with a penetrating contact ability, finishing the year with a .349 batting average, the best mark on the team in 2026. He began the season as the everyday left fielder but shifted to center field later in the year, showcasing his versatility in the lineup.
One of Chance’s standout performances in 2026 came in a game against Vanderbilt, where he went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and scored once. His two 2026 home runs—both grand slams—came against Texas and Auburn, underscoring his knack for delivering when it mattered most. His .349 batting average ranked seventh in the Southeastern Conference, and he also led Mississippi State with 13 stolen bases, highlighting his speed on the basepaths.
Chance’s journey with Mississippi State began in earnest in 2023, when he logged 27 starts in 36 games, signaling the start of his ascent from a walk-on to a dependable contributor. By 2024, he had earned a full-time starting role, and he opened the 2026 season as the starting left fielder before moving to center as the season progressed. His development from walk-on to a key component of the lineup and his late-career breakout season culminated in his selection by Toronto in the 2026 MLB Draft.
For reference, Bryce Chance accumulated 61 starts across 62 games in 2026, finishing with a .349 batting average, 2 home runs, 35 RBIs, 49 runs scored, 18 strikeouts, 26 walks, and 13 stolen bases. The broader context of his 2026 season documents a player who blended contact hitting, base running speed, and defensive flexibility to become a sequence of important contributions for the Bulldogs.
Sam Sklar served as the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger, and the original reporting appeared under Mississippi Clarion Ledger’s coverage of Chance’s rise from a walk-on to a Blue Jays prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft. For more information, Sklar can be reached at ssklar@usatodayco.com, and he can be followed on X at @sklarsam_. This article aligns with the Clarion Ledger’s coverage and was produced to reflect Chance’s progression and draft selection, providing a narrative suitable for readers seeking an in-depth look at his 2026 season and transition to professional baseball.