Jack Bauer brings elite lefty heat — and still has freshman growing pains
In the 2026 season, Mississippi State freshman LHP Jack Bauer has flashed rare big-league velocity, with reports noting a fastball that can reach 103 mph and usually sits 97-99 mph, which is the kind of left-handed weapon that makes scouts sit up in their chairs.[1][4][6] He has also shown strikeout stuff, but the ERA has been uneven, so the pitch mix and command are still developing; that said, his power profile and preseason buzz as a top freshman prospect suggest a high-upside arm worth betting on if your team can live with some volatility.[1][4][5]
