Mississippi State baseball transfer Davion Hickson has been selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mississippi State baseball transfer Davion Hickson has taken the next major step in his baseball journey, as he has been selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 MLB Draft. This marks a significant milestone not only for Hickson but also for the Mississippi State baseball program, which has become a pipeline of talent for the major leagues in recent years. The Dodgers, known for their emphasis on player development and advanced scouting, clearly saw something special in the hard-throwing right-hander and wasted no time in bringing him into their organization. For Hickson, it’s the culmination of years of determination, hard work, and belief in his own potential.
Originally hailing from Georgia, Hickson made his name known early in his high school career, where he was praised for his raw velocity and natural mound presence. His fastball consistently touched the mid-90s, a rare trait for someone at his age. Scouts followed him closely throughout his senior season, where he racked up strikeouts with ease and established himself as one of the more projectable arms in the region. However, rather than signing straight out of high school, Hickson chose the college route, committing to Mississippi State—a program renowned for its elite pitching development and competitive SEC atmosphere.
At Mississippi State, Hickson faced the adjustment period that most freshmen do, but his development was steady. Though he didn’t dominate from day one, the coaching staff recognized his potential and gave him meaningful innings, particularly in midweek starts and bullpen roles against SEC opponents. By his sophomore season, he began to show flashes of brilliance. His control improved, he added a refined slider to complement his fastball, and his poise on the mound began to mirror that of a seasoned college veteran. His ERA dropped, his strikeout-to-walk ratio improved significantly, and he was soon viewed as one of the most promising arms on the roster.
But with a crowded depth chart and the ever-changing nature of college athletics, Hickson made the decision to transfer following his second year. The transfer portal gave him a fresh start, and it was during this transition that he refined both his mechanics and mental game. His time away from Mississippi State gave him clarity and purpose, and he returned to form in dominant fashion during his summer league stint. He showcased increased velocity, better command, and a competitive fire that drew the attention of several MLB scouts.
It was during the 2024 collegiate season, following his transfer, that Hickson truly broke out. Pitching for a smaller program that allowed him to take on a full-time starter’s role, Hickson flourished. He logged more innings than ever before, posted career-highs in strikeouts, and maintained an ERA that ranked among the best in his conference. His performance against top-tier competition didn’t go unnoticed. Scouts clocked his fastball at 97 mph, while noting a tighter, more consistent slider and an improved changeup that kept hitters off balance. More importantly, Hickson’s maturity and leadership on and off the field made him a standout. He emerged not only as a draft prospect but as a complete pitcher ready to take on professional baseball.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, always meticulous in their evaluation and scouting, saw in Hickson a perfect match for their developmental system. They’ve built a reputation around turning raw talent into All-Star caliber players, particularly with pitchers who show the type of upside and athleticism that Hickson brings to the table. The Dodgers have had success in recent years identifying college arms who may not be household names but have the tools to thrive with the right guidance and resources. In Hickson, they’re getting a high-upside arm with an electric fastball, a rapidly improving secondary arsenal, and the competitive makeup that defines successful big-league pitchers.
For Hickson, getting drafted is both a dream come true and a new beginning. His journey hasn’t always been linear. He dealt with ups and downs at Mississippi State, navigated the transfer portal, and rebuilt his value with determination and effort. That resilience is what made him attractive to the Dodgers. They know that the jump to professional baseball requires more than talent—it requires toughness, adaptability, and an ability to learn and evolve. Hickson’s history suggests he has all of that and more.
The opportunity to join an organization like the Dodgers provides Hickson with access to some of the best coaching, analytics, and facilities in baseball. Los Angeles has revolutionized pitcher development through its use of biomechanics, data-driven pitch design, and personalized development plans. With that type of support, Hickson’s ceiling could rise even higher. He may begin his professional journey in the lower levels of the minor leagues, but the expectation is that he’ll rise quickly if he continues to develop at his current pace. His velocity and strikeout potential could make him a valuable bullpen weapon early on, while his three-pitch mix gives him starter upside long term.
Mississippi State’s baseball community has expressed pride in Hickson’s achievement. While he may have finished his college career elsewhere, his roots in Starkville run deep. Coaches, teammates, and fans remember the work he put in to earn his opportunities. They saw the potential, the commitment, and the flashes of greatness that are now being rewarded. For younger players in the program, Hickson’s journey serves as a powerful example of how persistence and self-belief can pay off, even when the path is uncertain.
Hickson himself has remained humble through the process. In interviews, he’s credited his family, his high school coaches, and his mentors at Mississippi State for helping him along the way. He’s spoken about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned from each experience. Now, with the Dodgers organization backing him, he’s focused on continuing to improve, learning from veteran players, and working toward his ultimate goal of pitching in the big leagues.
The road to the MLB is never easy. Even for a player as talented as Hickson, there are no guarantees. The minor leagues are filled with players chasing the same dream, and the competition is relentless. But what separates Hickson is his drive and willingness to adapt. He’s shown time and again that he’s not afraid to make tough decisions in order to grow. Whether it was transferring schools to find a better opportunity, overhauling his pitching mechanics, or embracing analytics to improve his game, Hickson has demonstrated a commitment to getting better. That type of mindset will serve him well as he begins the next chapter of his career.
In terms of projection, there’s a lot to like about Hickson. His fastball is elite, his breaking ball has improved to the point of being a legitimate out pitch, and his changeup gives him a weapon against left-handed hitters. He fields his position well, holds runners, and shows a veteran’s calm in high-pressure situations. If he can continue to throw strikes and maintain his health, he has every chance to become a valuable part of the Dodgers’ future pitching plans.
Fans in Los Angeles should be excited. While Hickson may not have the same name recognition as some first-round picks, the Dodgers have a history of turning under-the-radar selections into stars. With the right guidance and continued development, Hickson could find himself rising through the system and putting on a Dodgers uniform sooner than expected. And for Hickson, that’s exactly the kind of challenge he’s been preparing for his entire career.
From the fields of Georgia to the spotlight of the SEC, through the adversity of transfer and the triumph of a breakout season, Davion Hickson’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and belief. Now, with the Los Angeles Dodgers calling his name, that story enters its next exciting chapter.
