Former Jeff Davis Yellow Jacket standout and current Mississippi State University pitcher Duke Stone is continuing to earn national attention as one of the top young arms in college baseball. In a recent feature, Baseball America highlighted Stone’s pitching repertoire and included him among the publication’s Top 100 prospects for the 2027 MLB Draft, ranking him No. 26 on its draft board.
According to Baseball America, Stone possesses an “extremely polished repertoire” with a collection of pitches that already project as major strengths. The publication praised his fastball for its velocity and movement while describing his changeup as a pitch with significant seam-shifted movement. His cutter/slider combination was also noted as a potential plus-plus offering, with evaluators saying it pairs exceptionally well with his fastball. Baseball America noted that Stone’s curveball is the one pitch that still has room for growth, suggesting it could become even more effective with a more vertical shape. Perhaps most encouraging for Stone’s future, Baseball America wrote that if he returns with another jump in velocity next season, he could “catapult himself into the top 10 of the 2027 draft board.”
Stone first made his mark on the mound wearing the navy and gold for the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets, where he established himself as one of South Georgia’s premier high school pitchers before continuing his baseball career in the Southeastern Conference at Mississippi State. His continued development has now placed him firmly on the radar of professional scouts and one of baseball’s most respected publications.
Community Compass
From Jeff Davis High School to one of the nation’s premier college baseball programs, Duke Stone continues to represent our community with excellence. As he prepares for another season at Mississippi State, Yellow Jacket fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what comes next in what is already becoming an impressive baseball journey.
Congratulations to Duke on another outstanding recognition. Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County are proud to be cheering you on.
