Mississippi State Sends Ace Reese at No. 24, Ben Davis at No. 104 in MLB Draft

Q: With his defensive struggles, will Seattle move first-round pick Ace Reese off third base before he even reaches the majors?

Probably not immediately, but third base is far from guaranteed for Ace Reese long term. Seattle drafted Reese for his bat. Mariners scouting chief Scott Hunter called him one of the best pure college power bats in the class and projected 25-30 home run potential. That offensive profile is what made him the No. 24 overall pick, even with defensive questions. Those questions are real. Reese made 12 errors in 2025 and eight in 2026, and his fielding percentages at third base were .889 and .935. He has said third is still a newer position for him, and he also dealt with a left big toe issue that required surgery last September. That gives Seattle some reason to let him keep working there before making a permanent move. The Mariners also have the luxury of patience. Their farm system is deep, and their broader development plan has emphasized giving prospects a full runway rather than rushing them into quick fixes. That makes it more likely Seattle will begin Reese at third base in pro ball and evaluate whether his footwork, reactions and consistency improve. If he does move, it would likely be because the bat is advanced enough to carry another corner spot. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, first base or an outfield corner would be the most logical alternatives. But based on what Seattle and Reese have said so far, the club appears more likely to try him at third before deciding he cannot stay there.

3 articles · Updated · Mississippi State Athletics · Jul 11

Ace Reese went 24th overall to the Seattle Mariners, giving Mississippi State its 21st first-round pick and first since 2024.
Reese became the highest-drafted third baseman in school history after hitting .336 with 24 homers, 74 RBIs and an SEC-leading 23 doubles this spring.
Ben Davis followed in the fourth round at No. 104 to the Colorado Rockies after posting a 3.64 ERA, five saves and 57 strikeouts in 47 relief innings this season.
The first-day haul keeps Mississippi State's draft pipeline active: Davis is the 15th Bulldog pitcher selected over the past three drafts, with rounds 5-20 set for Sunday.