Three former standouts on the diamond for the Rebels recently had major developments in their professional careers. These include pitcher Gunnar Hoglund of the A's, Doug Nikhazy of the Guardians, and OF Kemp Alderman of the Marlins.
OF Kemp Alderman - Miami Marlins
Kemp Alderman, the once highly heralded slugger from the Magnolia State, seems to have had a breakthrough in the professional ranks. The National Champion heard his name called in the 2nd round of the 2023 MLB Draft following an incredible junior campaign. That season, he slugged over .700, posted an OPS of nearly 1.150, and hit 19 home runs. His first season of pro ball yielded mixed results, but he could still climb to the AA level. Alderman also received an invite to the prestigious Arizona Fall League.
It was there where Alderman seemed to find his groove at the plate against some of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. Over nine games in the fall league, Alderman slashed .306/.375/.833. He posted an OPS of over 1.200 and hit six home runs. These are ridiculous numbers and easily earned him honors as one of the standout prospects in Arizona. MLB Pipeline just named Alderman as DH of their All-Arizona Fall League Team.
Here's our 2024 All-Arizona Fall League Team: https://t.co/4go02L4NDY pic.twitter.com/3Sn2xSVmd0
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 20, 2024
According to MLB.com, Alderman is ranked 12th best prospect in the Marlins organization. Given the lack of power and overall offensive talent in the Marlins big league lineup, if the former Rebel slugger can carry over his form from this fall into the minor league season, I think he has an outside shot at making it to the show next season. We will continue to cheer him on over here.
Gunnar Hoglund and Doug Nikhazy
Alderman wasn't the only Rebel with big news today. The former dual aces, Gunnar Hoglund and Dough Nikhazy were added to the 40-man roster of their respective organizations. Hoglund is currently a member of the ____ A's and Nikhazy of the Clevand Guardians. This roster move paves the way for them to compete for a big league roster spot at this year's spring training.
#ProRebs Gunnar Hoglund (@Athletics) and Doug Nikhazy (@CleGuardians) were added to their respective clubs' 40-Man Roster on Tuesday!@GunnarHoglund x @Dougnikhazy pic.twitter.com/afHSueakoP
— Ole Miss Baseball (@OleMissBSB) November 20, 2024
Both former Rebels put together their best seasons of pro ball and climbed to the AAA affiliate of their respective organizations this past year. They are also both ranked in the top 30 prospects for their teams, according to MLB.com. Hoglund comes in at number 12 for the A's and Nikhazy at number 24. Us Rebel fans know the talent these possess, and it will only be a matter of time before we see both of these hurlers take the bump in the big leagues. I can't wait to watch a famous DOUG Day in the majors.