Dakota Jordan, a dynamic athlete who dazzled on the gridiron and the diamond during his Mississippi prep days, has transitioned into a standout player for Mississippi State’s baseball team. The sophomore outfielder, once committed as a two-sport athlete, has now dedicated himself solely to baseball, a decision that has seen his talents flourish and his pro prospects skyrocket.
Since focusing exclusively on baseball, Jordan’s skills have reached new heights, catching the eye of scouts who watched him closely during his high school senior year in anticipation of the 2022 MLB draft. Fast-forward two years, and Jordan, now eligible for July’s draft as a college sophomore, finds himself the subject of even greater interest, with scouts projecting him as a potential first-round pick.
“I’ll go back and look at high school videos, and it’s pretty cool to see the success I’ve had here,” Jordan said. “I plan on keeping that up and just going with it.”
Jordan is a 6-foot, 220-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with above-average raw power due to his quick hands and bat speed. He drives the ball consistently to all fields and projects as a middle-of-the-order hitter in pro ball.
Jordan also is extremely athletic, which benefits him offensively and in the outfield. He has quality speed, makes quality reads on the baseball and has respectable arm strength. He projects as a quality defensive right fielder at the next level.
“My power is a huge strength of mine,” Jordan said. “I also think I’m the most athletic kid in the SEC, so I feel like I can do a lot of things another player couldn’t.”
Jordan has star potential but must cut down on his swings and misses.
While at Mississippi State, Jordan has worked on his plate discipline, approach and hitting breaking pitches. He has experienced growth in those areas and has adopted the mindset of “shortening up and being ready to hit with more intent” in two-strike counts.
“I’m trying not to do too much,” Jordan said. “I just go up to the plate with a plan, and I hope to execute that plan.”
Jordan has posted impressive numbers in the middle of the Mississippi State lineup over the last two seasons. As a freshman last season, he hit .307 with nine doubles, 10 home runs, and 40 RBIs in 153 at-bats in 44 games.
This spring, Jordan has elevated himself to another level. The talented hitter has a .378 batting average with 10 doubles, 15 home runs and 51 RBIs in 148 at-bats in 40 games.
Jordan has played a key role in Mississippi State’s success this season. The Bulldogs (26-14, 10-8 SEC) are in position to receive a berth into the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021. After capturing the program’s first national championship in 2021, they missed the tournament each of the last two years.
“We are in a good place,” Jordan said. “This team, we love each other. There are always laughs in the dugout and locker room. I feel like this team is so much closer than last year’s team.”
Read more in-depth stories on top 2024 MLB draft prospects at Baseball Prospect Journal.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for nine years. He has interviewed 518 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
