The Oregon Ducks baseball program has been on an upward trajectory since Mark Wasikowski took the helm in 2020, turning the team into a consistent contender on the national stage.
A program‑record seven Ducks were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, underscoring the talent that has emerged under Wasikowski’s leadership.
A strategic hire to counter NIL pressures
To address the challenges posed by programs with greater NIL resources, Oregon has brought in Ryan Fineman as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Fineman’s career includes stints at Troy University, where he helped the team reach the College World Series, as well as roles at Old Dominion University and the University of Alabama, where he served as director of player personnel in 2023.
He also brings a player’s perspective from his time at Indiana University and experience in the Gulf Coast League, giving him a unique eye for talent evaluation.
Fineman’s primary mission is to expand the Ducks’ recruiting footprint, particularly in the southern states, and to complement the existing catching corps.
The program currently counts Brayden Jaksa, Cole Chamberlain, Jacob Madrid and Trenton Herzog among its emerging catchers, each of whom could play a pivotal role in the team’s next chapter.
Looking ahead, Oregon may lean more on transfers for the 2027 season, but the infusion of Fineman’s recruiting expertise offers a clear pathway to sustain momentum.