The 2026 Mississippi high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Mississippi.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons at Pearl’s Trustmark Park, in the State Tournament finals at the end of May, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Mississippi. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Union High School
Head Coach: Josh Hayes
MHSAA Classification: 3A
District Number: 3A Region 5
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 15-10 (First Round Playoffs)

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• SS Austin Lee (2026)
• 2B/RHP Kooper Fultz (2027)
• CINF/RHP Jacob Freeman (2026)
• CF/P Rafe Manning (2026)
• C Turner Johnson (2026)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• LHP Tanner Watkins (2028)

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• LHP/OF Tanner Watkins (2028)
• UTL/P Jack Flake (2028)
• INF Sawyer Robinson (2028)

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Union enters the 2026 season coming off a 15–10 campaign that resulted in a First Round playoff appearance in Region 5-3A. Under head coach Josh Hayes, the Yellow Jackets return a solid core of experienced position players while continuing to develop a young, promising group that could help elevate the program this spring.

Offensively, Union brings back multiple contributors who provide stability throughout the lineup. Shortstop Austin Lee (2026) anchors the infield with experience and defensive reliability, while Kooper Fultz (2027) adds athleticism and versatility as a middle infielder and two-way option. Jacob Freeman (2026) and Rafe Manning (2026) give the Yellowjackets flexibility, each capable of contributing both at the plate and in the field. Behind the dish, Turner Johnson (2026) returns to provide leadership and consistency.

On the mound, left-hander Tanner Watkins (2028) headlines the returning pitching group. Watkins brings projectable upside and also factors in as an athletic two-way player. The underclass group adds depth and competition, with Jack Flake (2028) offering versatility and Sawyer Robinson (2028) adding infield depth as he continues to develop.

With a returning core of upperclass contributors, a developing pitching staff, and several underclassmen pushing for roles, Union looks poised to build on last season’s momentum and remain competitive in Region 5-3A during the 2026 campaign.

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Find more information on Union High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X:
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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