Mississippi State baseball is making some serious waves, already looking ahead to the 2027 season with some bold position changes for starters Jacob Parker and Kevin Milewski. Parker is officially moving to center field, and Milewski is grabbing the first base mitt, a strategic shake-up the Bulldogs are rolling out during their fall practices.
Big Moves on the Diamond
Head coach Brian O’Connor didn’t mince words at his September 17 press conference, laying out the plan for these key players. This isn’t just a casual tryout either. The first fall scrimmage, happening tomorrow, September 18, is where we’ll see Parker in center and Milewski at first for the first time. It’s the opener of nine fall scrimmages total, all going down at Dudy Noble Field and all open to the public. So fans can get an early peek at these big changes.
O’Connor’s Master Plan for Versatility
Coach O’Connor made it clear this is all about strategic thinking for the future. He’s looking to “create versatility and options to see what we have,” and that’s a huge piece of the puzzle for 2027. He even acknowledged that it might look a little weird at first, saying, “You might see us for a couple weeks and it might look like, ‘Oh, geez, that guy looks out of position’ and things like that.” But O’Connor knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s committed to letting these players adapt and prove themselves. “Until we see it enough to know what our options are, that’s what we need to do,” he stated. It’s a calculated gamble to maximize the roster and find the best fit for every player, even if it means stepping out of their comfort zone initially.
These fall scrimmages are going to be crucial for Mississippi State. Every single rep matters as Parker and Milewski settle into their new roles and the coaching staff evaluates what they’ve got for 2027. The first chance to see this new lineup in action is tomorrow, September 18, at Dudy Noble Field. You gotta keep an eye on how this plays out, because O’Connor isn’t afraid to make the tough calls to get his team right for the season ahead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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