Who Southern Miss baseball might lose in 2024 MLB Draft: Watch Niko Mazza, Dalton McIntyre

The college baseball transfer portal is now closed, but teams still face one significant challenge in finalizing their rosters for the 2025 season. The 2024 MLB Draft starts on Sunday, and Southern Miss has several players who might be selected. However, none of the Golden Eagles are highly ranked, making it uncertain whether any will be drafted.

If a Southern Miss player is drafted, it would mark the fourth consecutive year and the 11th time in the past 12 years. Here’s what Southern Miss and coach Christian Ostrander are dealing with regarding this year’s MLB Draft.

Niko Mazza and Dalton McIntyre Could Get Drafted

Pitcher Niko Mazza and outfielder Dalton McIntyre are the top USM players with draft potential according to the rankings.

Mazza, a junior right-hander, is ranked No. 365 by Perfect Game but is not listed in Baseball America’s top 500. In 2024, he posted a 3.99 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 9-3 record over 16 starts and 18 appearances. His complete game shutout against Northern Kentucky in the Knoxville Regional likely improved his draft stock.

McIntyre, also a junior, is ranked No. 463 by Baseball America and is not on Perfect Game’s list. He transferred to Southern Miss from Meridian Community College and hit .388 as the leadoff batter, leading the team with 10 stolen bases.

Despite none of their starting outfielders exhausting eligibility, Southern Miss has added two outfield transfers for the 2025 season, suggesting they may be preparing for McIntyre’s departure.

A Southern Miss Signee Could Also Get Drafted

One Southern Miss signee, Grayden Harris, is ranked No. 482 by Perfect Game. Harris, a left-handed pitcher from Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, has a fastball that tops out at 94 mph, according to Prep Baseball Report.

Southern Miss’ 2024 recruiting class is ranked 55th by Perfect Game, marking their highest ranking since 2011.

Seniors with a Chance at Being Drafted

Southern Miss has a couple of standout seniors who, despite not being ranked, could still get drafted. Predicting picks in the later rounds of a 20-round draft can be challenging.

Designated hitter Slade Wilks ended the season with a 36-game hitting streak, the second-longest in program history. He batted .336 and led the Golden Eagles in home runs (14) and OPS (1.008).

Pitcher Billy Oldham, who posted a 4.48 ERA in 16 starts and 17 appearances, is another player to watch. In May, he mentioned that he has another year of eligibility and plans to use it if he’s not drafted.

Both Wilks and Oldham were first-team All-Sun Belt selections.