​On Saturday, USC pitcher Mason Edwards heard his name called in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft, a selection by the Oakland Athletics that underscored the talent emerging from USC’s pitching staff. The draft’s second day brought a flurry of news for the Trojans, as three additional players joined Edwards in officially hearing their names announced by MLB clubs.
First among them was catcher and designated hitter Augie Lopez, who went in the tenth round to the San Diego Padres. Lopez had recently entered the transfer portal, signaling that his USC chapter might be closing regardless of the draft outcome. The immediate question now centers on where his next baseball stop might be, as he could land with another college program or continue his career in the minor leagues as part of the Padres’ organization. The decision looms large as he weighs his options, including whether a return to college baseball could boost his draft stock for a future year or if professional development is the more prudent path.
Following Lopez, USC’s Grant Govel entered the scene, selected in the 16th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Govel was also a sophomore this past season, adding to the intrigue around his remaining two years of eligibility. For USC, the question becomes how to proceed if Govel expresses interest in staying for another year. Could the program leverage NIL opportunities to persuade him to return, potentially adding another dynamic arm to a pitching staff that already has depth? The Pirates’ selection signals a clear path for Govel, but the choice between continuing with collegiate eligibility or turning pro immediately will be influenced by his personal goals, the contract he could command, and the likelihood of early advancement within the Pirates organization.
Rounding out the trio of USC pitchers taken on draft day was Adam Troy, who went in the 17th round to the Philadelphia Phillies. Troy has one year of eligibility left, but his collegiate journey has already spanned four years of college baseball. Given that track record and the fact that his draft position came late in the process, it seems plausible that Troy may opt to sign with Philadelphia rather than return for another season of college baseball. His decision will rest on the standard considerations: the signing bonus offered, the likelihood of climbing through the minor league system quickly, and his readiness to transition to professional baseball full-time.
The MLB Draft signing deadline is Monday, July 27, and Edwards, Lopez, Govel, and Troy will each have to weigh whether to accept the team’s offer and begin their professional careers immediately, or to return to USC for one more year in pursuit of further development, improved draft positioning, or perhaps a chance to contribute to the Trojans’ success on the field once more. The choice is deeply personal and strategic, balancing immediate professional opportunities against the value of an extra year in college to refine skills further or to chase academic and athletic goals in a familiar collegiate environment.
For those following USC Trojans coverage, updates will continue to track the decisions of these four players as they navigate the post-draft period. Fans can stay connected through Trojans Wire for ongoing coverage, notes, and analysis surrounding USC’s MLB draft outcomes and what they might mean for the program’s immediate future and long-term trajectory. This recap reflects the post-draft landscape in which Edwards’ second-round selection was followed by Lopez’s tenth-round pick by San Diego, Govel’s sixteenth-round selection by Pittsburgh, and Troy’s seventeenth-round selection by Philadelphia, painting a broader picture of USC’s impact on this year’s MLB Draft and the options now available to each player as they decide between professional pathways and continued collegiate play.