The final day of the 2026 MLB Draft proved to be a busy one for the Oklahoma State baseball program, as four of its recent standouts heard their names called.
Hudson Barrett, a right‑handed pitcher who finished his college career with a 6‑1 record, a 2.58 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 45 ⅓ innings, was selected in the eighth round by the Colorado Rockies. Mario Pesca, a left‑hander who posted a 14‑8 record with 140 strikeouts over 137 ⅓ innings, went in the ninth round to the Cleveland Guardians. Avery Ortiz, a versatile infielder with a .252 career average, 16 home runs and 55 RBIs, was taken in the 18th round by the Washington Nationals.
The most eye‑catching move came when Kollin Ritchie, the power‑hitting junior who hit .326 with 31 homers last season and ranked among the nation’s top ten in several offensive categories, was drafted in the 20th round by the St. Louis Cardinals. Ritchie, however, announced he will defer his professional debut and return for a senior year in Stillwater, a decision that could further sharpen his already elite bat.
Ritchie’s College Return
Coach Josh Holliday, who has guided the Cowboys since 2013, has overseen 82 MLB draft selections, including 40 in the first ten rounds, underscoring the program’s ability to develop talent that appeals to major‑league scouts. The recent haul adds to a streak in which Oklahoma State has placed at least three players in the top ten rounds in each of the past five drafts.
Ritchie’s decision to stay in college also reflects a broader trend of top prospects weighing development against immediate financial offers. With 53 career home runs that tie him for eighth on the school’s all‑time list, his presence next season could push the Cowboys even deeper into the conversation for national accolades.