South Carolina signee Carson Messina plucked in 2024 MLB Draft

The brother of Gamecock star catcher Cole Messina, Carson Messina has made a name for himself in the high school ranks. 

As a possible huge arm for the Gamecocks, Messina entered into the 2024 MLB Draft and was picked up by Toronto Blue Jays with the 367th overall pick in the 12th round on Tuesday.

With 33 strikeouts in 75 batters faced his senior year, there is no doubt Messina could be a star for the Gamecocks or in pro ball. A 6-foot-3 right handed pitcher, he attended Summerville High School alongside top prospect and fellow Gamecock commit PJ Morlando.

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As a top pitching prospect in the Palmetto State, Messina is known for his power and upper 90s fastball. However, he missed some of his senior season with a hamstring injury.

Both Messina brothers were projected to be picked up between the third and fifth round.

His older brother Cole was selected 77th overall by the Colorado Rockies. The decision to partake in the draft was a difficult one for both, knowing they may never play on the same team again.

Should Messina elect to play college baseball, he will join a South Carolina program heading in a new direction. The Gamecocks finished the 2024 season with a 37-25 overall record and a 13-17 mark in SEC play. After reaching the postseason, the team was eliminated in the Raleigh Regional after falling to NC State and James Madison.

One day after South Carolina’s loss to the Dukes, head coach Mark Kingston was fired. The Gamecocks’ coaching staff has since seen a full overhaul. Former national championship-winning LSU head coach Paul Mainieri has now taken charge of the program. Monte Lee remains the team’s associate head coach and hitting coach, while Terry Rooney was brought on to serve as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

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