​The Oregon Ducks will miss a familiar face on the field as they bid farewell to one of their veteran stars, though that star will stay in close reach as a pro. Oregon third baseman Drew Smith has been selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, sending him to the Bay Area after a standout finish to his collegiate career. In his senior season, Smith posted a line of .338/.421/.618 and led the Ducks with 16 home runs, establishing himself as a reliable run producer and a feared presence in the middle of the order.
Over the course of his time in Eugene, Smith showed his versatility by bouncing around the infield and even spending time in the outfield before settling into the hot corner as his home base. His final season in Eugene also earned him a first-team All-Big Ten selection, reflecting his status as the sluggers’ backbone in Oregon’s lineup and his role as a catalyst in driving the offense. He handed in contact when necessary, able to lay down a bunt for a hit despite occupying a power-heavy spot in the heart of the order, underscoring his well-rounded approach at the plate.
With Smith graduating, third base will be left open for the Ducks to fill this offseason. His career highlight reel includes being named to all-tournament teams in three different regional sets, across three distinct positions, a testament to his adaptability and value to the team in high-stakes environments. While he entered the draft as a later pick, Smith possesses genuine power potential and solid defensive ability at a key position, qualities that can help him advance quickly through the Giants’ system.
If his development continues on a favorable trajectory, Smith could climb back toward his college town and potentially suit up for the Eugene Emeralds, the High-A affiliate of the Giants, offering a tempting arc for fans who followed his Oregon journey. His selection adds to a growing group of Ducks chosen this weekend, with teammates in the infield also moving on to new organizations. Ryan Cooney was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, and Maddox Molony was selected by the Detroit Tigers. The draft numbers don’t end there, as several pitchers—Cal Scolari, Devin Bell, and Miles Gosztola—also heard their names called across the weekend.
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