​An Oregon Duck has left the board. Second baseman Ryan Cooney was chosen with the 103rd pick in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. A contact hitter with position versatility, Cooney was anticipated to be the first Duck taken, yet he still went slightly higher than his ranking would have suggested. Fellow former Oregon shortstop Josh Kasevich is also currently within the Blue Jays organization.
Cooney’s role for the Ducks evolved over his three seasons in Eugene. After shuffling around the infield, he settled at second base, where he proved especially productive during his junior year. The Ducks’ second baseman posted a .331/.420/.524 line, led the team with 82 hits, 22 doubles, and 31 extra-base hits, and stole 13 bases. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named to the Eugene Regional all-tournament team.
The Ducks used Cooney as a catalyst at the top of the lineup, setting the table for the power that followed behind him. All signs point to Cooney signing with the Blue Jays and departing Oregon after delivering one of the program’s most impressive single-season performances from the leadoff spot, ranking second in doubles and fourth in hits in a single year. While Cooney was Oregon’s first player selected, he may not be the last. Could be joined soon by pitcher Cal Scolari and shortstop Maddox Molony, with pitcher Toby Twist and third baseman Drew Smith also potential picks.
There are also a couple of Oregon commits who are considering the draft, including Andruw Giles and Isaiah Hearn. Any player still eligible for college baseball must decide whether to sign professional terms or return to campus by July 27, and Oregon will be hoping many of their talented commits choose to remain in school.
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