Oregon's Draft Breakthrough
The 2026 MLB Draft has delivered a windfall for the Oregon Ducks baseball program, with seven of its standout players hearing their names called across ten rounds of selections.
Shortstop Ryan Cooney emerged as the highest‑drafted Duck, slipping to the third round where the Toronto Blue Jays selected him, marking the program’s most prominent pick of the class.
The Chicago White Sox followed suit with a fifth‑round choice of pitcher Cal Scolari, while the Detroit Tigers grabbed shortstop Maddox Molony in the sixth round. The Los Angeles Dodgers added two arms — Miles Gosztola in the eighth round and Devin Bell in the tenth — showcasing the depth of Oregon’s pitching staff.
Infielders Drew Smith and Jack Brooks rounded out the haul, with Smith heading to the San Francisco Giants in the 15th round and Brooks being selected by the Washington Nationals in the 19th round. The spread of positions — from infielders to pitchers and an outfielder — reflects the balanced nature of Oregon’s roster.
A Balanced Talent Pool
What sets this draft class apart is not just the quantity but the variety of roles represented, illustrating Oregon’s ability to develop hitters, arms, and versatile fielders alike.
The draft also highlights the program’s recent postseason success, having reached the NCAA Super Regional in 2026, a milestone that likely boosted scouting visibility and player development.
All seven players will now transition to minor league organizations, continuing a pipeline that has produced 16 draft picks over the past three years and reinforcing Oregon’s reputation as a talent incubator.