The 2026 MLB Draft wrapped up with a surprisingly thin footprint for the Duke Blue Devils, the storied college program known more for its basketball pedigree than for producing major‑league talent. This year, only one player who was still enrolled at Duke saw his name called, and that came in the eighth round.
One Pick, One Pitcher
Aidan Weaver, a right‑handed pitcher who spent four seasons at Duke, was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the eighth round. Over his collegiate career he compiled a 10‑13 record with a 6.43 earned‑run average, striking out 144 batters in 120.1 innings. Weaver’s modest statistical line belies a determination to prove that his college experience can translate to the professional arena.
Two former Blue Devils, however, were drafted in more prominent slots, underscoring the program’s lingering ability to develop talent beyond the current roster. Outfielder AJ Gracia, who completed two seasons at Duke, was taken by the Atlanta Braves in the first round. In his brief college stint he hit 29 home runs and posted an OPS that exceeded 1.000, numbers that caught the eye of scouts.
Catcher Macon Winslow, another alumnus, found a spot with the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth round, while versatile two‑way player Kyle Johnson was snapped up by the Tampa Bay Rays in the same round. Both players bring different skill sets to the professional game, from Winslow’s defensive reliability behind the plate to Johnson’s rare combination of pitching and hitting.
The draft results also highlight a broader narrative for Duke baseball. Historically, the university has produced only two players who earned a first‑round selection, a rarity that places the recent picks in perspective. While the Blue Devils continue to attract top recruits, the limited number of draftees this year suggests that the path from Durham to the majors remains selective, and that the program may need to adjust its development strategies to increase exposure.