A Rising Star in the 2026 MLB Draft
The New York Yankees announced the selection of Brendan Brock with the 316th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft, a milestone that underscores both his individual talent and the growing pipeline of Oklahoma players into professional baseball.
Brock arrives in the Bronx after a two‑year stint at Southwestern Illinois College, where he honed his skills before joining the Oklahoma Sooners. His transition to the collegiate powerhouse was marked by immediate playing time, as he started 65 of the team's 66 games during their championship run.
At the plate, Brock posted a .302 batting average while delivering 13 home runs and 28 stolen bases, numbers that reflected a rare blend of power and speed. His on‑base percentage climbed to .576 during the NCAA Tournament, and he maintained a .457 average across the final stretch of the season.
The outfielder’s impact was especially pronounced in the College World Series, where he hit .400 with eight hits, a home run, a double and three RBIs. Those performances helped the Sooners clinch the national title and cemented Brock’s reputation as a clutch contributor on the biggest stage.
Brock’s draft position also places him among the most successful Oklahoma prospects in recent memory. He becomes the 10th player from the program to be selected by the Yankees and the 316th overall pick in the school’s history, a ranking that puts him in the top ten draftees from OU.
The selection reflects the work of head coach Skip Johnson, whose tenure since 2018 has produced 49 draft picks, including four first‑rounders. Johnson’s emphasis on developing well‑rounded athletes has clearly paid dividends, as evidenced by Brock’s comprehensive skill set and his readiness for the professional game.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will likely invite Brock to spring training to evaluate his fit within their roster. If his collegiate performance translates to the minor leagues, the team could see a dynamic outfielder who brings both speed on the bases and a potent bat to the lineup.