The 2026 MLB Draft will be remembered for the Oregon Ducks' unprecedented haul, with seven players selected, the most ever for the program under head coach Mark Wasikowski. The selection count ties a single‑draft record and underscores the rapid rise of the university's baseball pedigree.
A historic draft haul
Five of those draftees have already inked professional contracts, marking a swift transition from college to the minors. The signings include second baseman Ryan Cooney, right‑handed pitcher Cal Scolari, shortstop Maddox Molony, closer Devin Bell, and third baseman Drew Smith, each navigating slot‑value negotiations that have drawn attention for their under‑market deals.
Prospect highlights
Cooney, a third‑round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays, agreed to a $597,500 bonus, $165,400 below his slot, while Scolari, a fifth‑round selection of the Chicago White Sox, signed for roughly $550,000, also under his projected value. Both earned spots on their organizations’ top‑30 prospect lists, with Cooney ranked No. 12 and Scolari No. 21.
Financial nuances
Maddox Molony, taken in the sixth round by the Detroit Tigers, received $344,800, just $2,500 shy of his slot, and Devin Bell, a 10th‑round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers, accepted a $7,500 bonus that undershoots his slot by $184,400. The financial flexibility reflects a broader trend of college seniors securing deals far below their projected values.
Eligibility considerations
Two prospects, right‑hander Miles Gosztola and center fielder Jack Brooks, remain unsigned, each retaining two years of collegiate eligibility under the NCAA’s new five‑for‑five rule that permits players to return to school after drafting.
Future outlook
The blend of under‑slot signings, prospect rankings, and the possibility of returning talent creates a compelling narrative for Oregon baseball, suggesting that the program’s draft success could translate into a steady pipeline of major‑league prospects.