The 2026 MLB Draft will be remembered in Oregon as a historic moment, with the Ducks’ seven selections marking the largest class ever assembled under head coach Mark Wasikowski. The surge of talent reflects a program that has steadily climbed the national rankings, culminating in a draft day that saw five of those seven prospects agree to professional contracts.
Among the signees, second baseman Ryan Cooney became the first Oregon player drafted this year, inking a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays that includes a $597,500 bonus. Right‑handed pitcher Cal Scolari followed with a commitment to the Chicago White Sox, where he is already projected as the No. 21 prospect and a potential reliever ready for the majors. Shortstop Maddox Molony and closer Devin Bell also secured agreements, joining Cooney and Scolari on the Blue Jays and White Sox rosters respectively, while right‑hander Drew Smith reached a deal with the San Francisco Giants, though the financial terms remain undisclosed.
Prospect outlooks
Baseball America and MLB Pipeline have already placed several Ducks in their top‑30 prospect lists, underscoring the immediate impact expected at the minor‑league level. Cooney is ranked No. 12 overall and the fifth‑best infielder in Toronto’s system, while Scolari sits at No. 21 for the White Sox and is viewed as a clear path to the big leagues as a reliever. Bell’s modest $7,500 bonus reflects the typical under‑slot signing of college seniors who forgo the leverage of returning to school.
Financial considerations played a central role in the negotiations. Slot values serve as a baseline for each pick, and players who exceed those figures are classified as over‑slot signings, a category that includes Cooney’s $597,500 agreement. In contrast, Bell’s low bonus illustrates the common practice of rewarding senior signees with modest compensation, a strategy that helps teams manage budget constraints while still securing talent.
Two Ducks — Miles Gosztola and Jack Brooks — remain unsigned, preserving their collegiate eligibility under the NCAA’s five‑for‑five rule, which grants them two more years of school if they choose to return. Their decisions will be watched closely, as the draft’s evolving landscape could shift the balance between professional opportunity and collegiate development.