Ace Reese Joins Seattle Mariners in 2026 MLB Draft
First Round Selection
Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese was taken 24th overall by Seattle in the June 11 draft. It marks the first time a Bulldog position player has entered the first round since Justin Foscue’s 2020 pick. Reese entered the draft after being ranked No. 18 by MLB.com.
College Dominance
Reese transferred from Houston ahead of the 2025 season and quickly became a staple of the MSU lineup. Over two years he logged back‑to‑back 20‑home‑run seasons, joining Rafael Palmeiro and Will Clark as only three Bulldog greats to achieve that feat. His 24 homers in 2026 rank fifth in program history.
The 6‑foot‑4, 220‑pound hitter earned two All‑SEC First Team honors and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year.
Statistical Snapshot
Reese appeared in 118 games at Mississippi State, starting every contest. He posted a career‑best .935 fielding percentage, up from .885 the year before, and improved his walk rate to 14% while keeping a 21.6% strikeout mark. In the 2026 Athens Super Regional he went 6‑for‑12 with two home runs and four runs in his final two games.
Strengths and Potential
Reese’s left‑handed power stroke drives the ball to all fields, and he mixes his approach by handling both left‑ and right‑handed pitching. He also shows steady improvement in plate discipline, though swing decisions still need refinement.
Positional Questions
Having logged nearly every inning at third base for the Bulldogs, Reese could face a positional shift if he cannot lock down a spot at the keystone. Scouts project him as a first‑base or corner‑outfield option should the need arise.
Mariners’ Perspective
Seattle’s front office sees a raw but promising talent set that could blossom with proper development. The Mariners hope Reese’s power and defensive versatility will fill a void in the organization’s infield depth.