2025 RHP Parker Rhodes talks Mississippi State commitment

A trip to Starkville provided everything Parker Rhodes needed to see.

The 6’1 RHP from the state of Indiana loved the small town feel at Mississippi State coupled with some of the best facilities in the country. A pitch from pitching coach Justin Parker on development took care of any other questions and the 2025 hurler would make his decision to become a Diamond Dawg this week.

“I went on a visit and something felt different. It felt like home,” Rhodes said. “I loved everything about it and that it was a small campus. A big thing that stood out to me was how the coaches cared about me and my family. One of the things that I wanted to do in recruiting is make sure the key point was how my family was treated. State did a great job of doing just that.”

Justin Parker the difference for Rhodes

It’s no coincidence that Rhodes commitment came just a week removed from a big draft for Parker and the Bulldogs.

State had its entire Opening Weekend rotation drafted in the first three rounds with Jurrangelo Cijntje going 15^th overall, Khal Stephen in the second round and Nate Dohm in the third. Add in the jump in production from Brooks Auger, Tyson Hardin and Tyler Davis and their subsequent selections and Rhodes saw all he needed to see from his future coach.

“That was a big eye-opener, especially looking at the draft,” Rhodes said. “Mississippi State had 11 picks and the top three were pitchers. I’ve noticed that coach Parker gets people drafted and that’s the goal, but it also is the development piece.”

After getting his feet wet as a sophomore in 2023 with a 5.25 ERA and 40 strikeouts and 12 walks in 18.2 innings, Rhodes had a big step forward in 2024. Rhodes walked just 12 players again but he did that in 43.0 innings. He surrendered 31 hits and had a 2.77 ERA with 89 strikeouts. Teams batted just .191 against the right hander.

The team success didn’t quite follow as Greenfield managed just a 13-14 record, but the talent of its big right-handed pitcher was unquestioned. He’s taken the success he had during his junior season to the summer.

“One thing that I took away from the season was the improvement on the mental side of things. Just going out there and competing against other players that are good has been a great development,” Rhodes said. “It’s always been my dream to play at the highest level and I’ve worked my butt off.”

Rhodes previously committed to Xavier last year before realizing that he might have rushed the process. The big junior season opened some new doors for him and several schools inside the ACC and SEC came calling.

Connections to the state of Indiana from both Chris Lemonis and Parker got the Bulldogs in the game.

“Coach Parker initially reached out and was one of the first people that I talked to when I reopened my recruitment,” Rhodes said. “I went to my travel ball coach and asked about him and they’re pretty close. I got to understand what type of coach and person that he is. I’ve talked to several people about him and I’ve heard nothing but good things.”

So far this summer, Rhodes is throwing 91-93 mph with his fastball according to Prep Baseball Report. He also has a curveball in the high 70’s 2700 RPM. The slider climbs up to 81-84 with a tight spin.

Rhodes has spent a lot of time traveling to tournaments this summer with the Indiana Bulls. He’s also playing with East Coast Pro and will start in early August. The last run of travel ball coupled with the fact he has a home in Starkville will make for an exciting final month before it’s time for his last ride as a high schooler.

“I can’t wait for senior year to start and be on campus,” Rhodes said. “I know that everything will go by super fast and I’m just taking it all in. It’s certainly a blessing to be where I am.”