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 Most Valuable Player & Most Valuable Pitcher from the event, with more breakdowns and full scouting reports coming soon.

+ View all event stats HERE.

 

+ To view the updated Player Rankings, CLICK HERE.
+ Interested in attending an event? CLICK HERE for event schedule.
+ To stay updated on news around the Magnolia State, CLICK HERE.
+ Interested in a Prep Baseball Subscription? CLICK HERE. 

---

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Pryce Pinkins 1B / RHP / Oxford High School, MS / 2028 Pryce Pinkins (Oxford HS, 2028) earned Most Valuable Player honors after putting together one of the most impressive all-around performances at the 2026 Magnolia State Games. The standout infielder impacted the event both during workouts and game play, showcasing some of the loudest tools in attendance. At the plate, Pinkins went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs, consistently producing impact contact and showing why he is regarded as one of the top players in Mississippi's 2028 class. During the workout portion, he led the entire event with a 102.5 mph max exit velocity while averaging 98.0 mph during batting practice, including a long ball that traveled 400 feet. Defensively, Pinkins also flashed his arm strength, recording an 87 mph infield velocity and an 84 mph outfield velocity. The combination of present power, athleticism, defensive versatility, and game production made him a clear choice for MVP honors, and he continues to establish himself as one of the premier prospects in Mississippi's 2028 class.

MOST VALUABLE PITCHER

Rush Watkins RHP / RHP / Baldwyn, MS / 2028 Rush Watkins (Baldwyn HS, 2028) earned Most Valuable Pitcher honors at the 2026 Magnolia State Games after turning in a dominant performance on the mound. The right-hander logged three innings, allowing no hits while striking out six of the hitters he faced. Watkins worked comfortably in the low-80s with his fastball, running it up to 84.3 mph, and showed the ability to command the baseball throughout his outing. He also displayed feel for both of his secondary offerings, consistently landing them in the strike zone and keeping hitters off balance. The combination of strike-throwing ability, pitchability, and overall mound presence stood out among a talented group of arms at the event. As a member of Mississippi's 2028 class, Watkins possesses a projectable frame and plenty of room for continued development, making him a name to follow closely as he continues to add strength and velocity in the coming years.

---

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

 

Related Content: