​Mason Eckelman is among five former Walsh Jesuit High School baseball players who are drawing major league attention ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. The two-day draft is scheduled for July 11-12, with the first four rounds on Saturday and the remaining 16 rounds on Sunday. Here’s a closer look at Eckelman, who has spent the last three seasons at Ohio State after graduating from Walsh Jesuit in 2022.
Where does Eckelman stand on the draft board? Even though he isn’t listed on a formal draft board, Eckelman was one of 335 draft prospects invited to the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix last month. The invitees included 195 college players, highlighting that Eckelman is on the radar of scouts despite not appearing in every draft rankings released publicly.
Which organization might select him? Eckelman, a catcher by trade, has been observed by scouts from all 30 major league teams during the evaluation window. With his versatility behind the plate and his offensive potential, any club could decide to take a chance on him during the draft.
What is Eckelman’s college status? He just completed his junior season at Ohio State, continuing to develop his game at the college level after leaving Walsh Jesuit in 2022.
A look at Eckelman’s statistics from last season: He hit .304 for the Buckeyes, producing 15 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, and 47 RBIs while scoring 42 runs. Across three seasons at Ohio State, he has slashed .280/.345/.? with 115 hits in 410 at-bats, including 25 doubles, six triples, 13 homers, and 81 RBIs, demonstrating a consistent, emerging power-and-contact profile. Eckelman earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2026, underscoring his standing among conference peers. His baseball lineage runs in the family: his father, Alex Eckelman, played in the minor leagues and is the senior vice president of hitting for the Cleveland Guardians, a connection that could pique the interest of MLB clubs looking for a player with a strong baseball IQ and professional lineage.
What Walsh Jesuit manager Joe Bowers has said about Eckelman: “He’s just a stud hitter, catcher and person. Everything about him is good. He’s got the genes. His swing has been beautiful since he was like 4. He’s just a ballplayer.” Bowers’ assessment echoes the high regard many in the program have for Eckelman’s athletic ability, leadership, and potential to translate well to the professional level.
A snapshot of Eckelman’s on-field experience at Ohio State: In a notable matchup at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on February 16, 2025, Eckelman was involved in a pivotal moment as the OSU catcher. The play showcased his defensive capabilities behind the plate, where his framing, game-calling, and ability to control the running game are on display, complementing his offensive profile.
Walsh Jesuit’s history of producing MLB-caliber talent: The school previously set a record for the most players drafted in a single year when the draft spanned 50 rounds in 2010. That year, Walsh Jesuit had three selections: Johnny Fasola (36th round, Dodgers), Greg Greve (45th round, Giants), and Tyler Skulina (46th round, Athletics). The pipeline to the pros continues to run through Walsh Jesuit, with Eckelman representing the latest in a line of players who have advanced to the minors and the majors.
Historical context of Walsh Jesuit alumni in professional baseball: To date, 12 Walsh Jesuit products have reached the minor leagues or higher, illustrating the school’s enduring ability to groom athletes for the highest levels of competition. Eckelman’s emergence as a draft prospect adds to that legacy and reinforces Walsh Jesuit’s reputation as a cradle for baseball talent.
For readers seeking more information or updates, the Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be reached at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com. This coverage originally appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal under the headline highlighting 2026 MLB Draft prospect Mason Eckelman and the factors that could influence his drafting outcome.
This piece provides a comprehensive overview of Mason Eckelman’s journey from Walsh Jesuit to Ohio State and toward the 2026 MLB Draft, highlighting his statistical production, evaluative attention from major league clubs, and the familial and programmatic context that could shape his professional trajectory.