Jacob Thomas Mangum Bio
Jacob Thomas Mangum (born March 8, 1996) is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays. Before becoming a professional, Mangum played college baseball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Early Life and Background
Jacob Thomas Mangum was born in Flowood, Mississippi, and raised in nearby Pearl, Mississippi. He attended Jackson Preparatory School in Flowood, where he excelled in baseball. During his time with the Patriots, Mangum was part of three consecutive state championship teams and earned recognition as a Louisville Slugger All-American in 2013 and 2015. He was also named a Perfect Game All-American in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and received first team All-State honors from the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) in 2014 and 2015. As a senior, he achieved a remarkable batting average of .504, scored 46 runs, and drove in 41 RBIs while also showcasing his pitching skills with an 8-0 record and a 1.48 ERA in 52 innings pitched.
Mangum initially committed to play college baseball at the University of Alabama, his father’s alma mater, but later de-committed and chose to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This decision marked the beginning of a successful collegiate career that would set the stage for his professional aspirations.
Path to Baseball
Mangum’s collegiate career began in 2016, where he quickly made a name for himself by leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with a .408 batting average, finishing seventh in the NCAA. His impressive performance earned him the SEC Freshman of the Year title, along with first team All-SEC honors. He also received accolades as Freshman All-America by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and Baseball America. During the summer of 2016, he played for the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod Baseball League, further honing his skills and earning a spot on the Cape Cod All-Star team.
In his sophomore year, Mangum continued to shine, slashing .324/.380/.385 while contributing both as an outfielder and a pitcher for the Bulldogs. Despite facing challenges, including a broken hand, he demonstrated resilience and determination. After his junior season in 2018, he led the SEC with 101 hits and was named first-team All-SEC, showcasing his talent and solidifying his status as a top prospect. Mangum’s collegiate career culminated in remarkable achievements, including breaking the SEC all-time hits record and finishing with a total of 383 hits, a record that ranks fourth in NCAA history.
Jacob Thomas Mangum Career
Early Career (2019-Present)
Jacob Thomas Mangum was selected by the New York Mets in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He signed with the Mets on June 24, 2019, for a signing bonus of $20,000. Mangum began his professional career with the Brooklyn Cyclones in the Low-A New York–Penn League, where he batted .247 in his first season. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the 2020 minor league season, limiting his opportunities to showcase his skills.
In 2021, Mangum returned to the Brooklyn Cyclones before being promoted to the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies. He had a successful season, slashing .285/.337/.454 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs over 84 games. He continued to progress through the Mets’ minor league system, earning a spot on the team’s 2022 spring training roster as a non-roster invitee. Despite facing injuries, he maintained a strong performance, batting .333 in his final games with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
On December 7, 2022, Mangum was traded to the Miami Marlins, where he played for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in the 2023 season. He had a standout performance, batting .298 with five home runs and 52 RBIs in 119 games. His success in the Marlins organization led to another trade on December 8, 2023, when he was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays.
In 2024, Mangum continued to impress, batting .317 with six home runs and 56 RBIs in 104 games for Durham. He was placed on the 40-man roster by the Rays to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. On March 29, 2025, he made his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Rays following an injury to a teammate. Mangum hit his first career home run on May 31, 2025, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jacob Thomas Mangum’s journey in professional baseball has been marked by significant achievements, including his impressive batting average and contributions to his teams. His ability to adapt and thrive in various roles, both as an outfielder and a pitcher during his college years, has set him apart as a versatile player. Mangum’s nickname, the Mayor of Starkville, reflects his popularity and success during his time at Mississippi State, where he became a fan favorite.
Jacob Thomas Mangum Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jacob Thomas Mangum has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his collegiate years, where he was recognized for his outstanding performance on the field.
Jacob Thomas Mangum Awards Won
Jacob Thomas Mangum has achieved notable recognition during his baseball career, particularly during his time at Mississippi State, where he earned multiple All-SEC honors and was awarded the Ferriss Trophy twice, highlighting his status as one of the top collegiate players in Mississippi.
Jacob Thomas Mangum Family
Jacob Thomas Mangum is the son of former Alabama and Chicago Bears defensive back John Mangum Jr. He comes from a family with a strong athletic background, as his uncle, Kris Mangum, played for the Carolina Panthers. His grandfather, John “Big John” Mangum Sr., also had a notable sports career, playing college football at Ole Miss and Southern Mississippi before joining the Boston Patriots in the American Football League.
Personal Life
Jacob Thomas Mangum has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his professional career in baseball. His success at Mississippi State earned him the affectionate nickname, the Mayor of Starkville, reflecting his impact on the community and the sport during his college years.
