Walsh Jesuit High School in Ohio is on the cusp of a historic achievement as five of its graduating seniors are projected to be selected in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, a feat that would set a new school record.
A historic draft class
The prospects include right‑handed pitcher Ryan Piech, who finished his junior year at Xavier with a 3.18 ERA and 98 strikeouts, and is slated to be taken with the 184th overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians. Shawn Sullivan, another right‑hander, capped his senior season at Walsh Jesuit with a 0.90 ERA and 89 strikeouts, earning a 227th‑overall projection from the Minnesota Twins.
Shortstop Matt Mansbery, who batted .402 with seven doubles, five triples and nine RBIs in his senior year, is expected to be drafted 320th overall by the Baltimore Orioles, while catcher Mason Eckelman, a standout at Ohio State who posted a .304 average with 15 doubles, four triples, eight home runs and 47 RBIs, has been invited to the MLB draft combine and could hear his name called by any of the 30 clubs.
Henry Kaczmar, a shortstop who posted a .316 average with 26 doubles, 12 home runs, 47 RBIs and 50 runs scored in his senior season at Ohio State, has also drawn positive feedback about his draft prospects. Manager Joe Bowers has lauded each player for distinct qualities: he praised Piech for his professional build and work ethic, Sullivan for his maturity, Mansbery for his smooth athleticism, Eckelman for his hitting and overall ball‑playing skills, and Kaczmar for his character, strong arm and bat.
The anticipated draft selections would add to Walsh Jesuit’s growing reputation, as twelve former Crusaders have previously navigated the minor‑league system and two alumni — Dominic Canzone and Ryan Feltner — are currently active in the majors, with Canzone playing for the Seattle Mariners and Feltner for the Colorado Rockies.
As the draft approaches, the combination of elite pitching, reliable hitting and strong defensive fundamentals positions the school’s class as one of the most compelling in the nation, drawing attention from scouts across the league.