​The Athletics wrapped up the opening day of the 2026 MLB draft by selecting right-handed pitcher Jacob Dudan with the 83rd overall pick and shortstop Roman Martin at No. 111. Dudan is viewed as a long-term bet, having recently undergone Tommy John surgery and not expected to pitch this year. Despite that setback, the NC State product, who moved into the rotation for the first time this past season, carries the potential to develop into a premier closer. He possesses a fastball with late life that can reach triple digits and a wipeout slider that could make him a dominant late-inning option. Patience will be essential as he progresses, especially given his current status as a 21-year-old in need of time to recover and refine his command.
Here’s the scouting snapshot MLB Pipeline provided for Dudan: Fastball 60, Slider 65, Changeup 50, Control 50, Overall 50. Dudan spent his early college years as a high-leverage reliever for North Carolina State and for Team USA, then shifted to a starting role this spring. The positive takeaway is that his fastball/slider combination remained effective in longer outings and his control showed meaningful improvement, suggesting he could be a first-round talent. The notable downside is the elbow injury he sustained after throwing 116 pitches against Notre Dame on April 4, where he reached 98 mph in the eighth inning and subsequently required Tommy John surgery.
During his junior season, Dudan averaged 96 mph with his fastball and reached 99 on occasion, with his heater delivering groundouts and some occasional swing-and-miss value. His tight upper-80s slider is a true plus pitch, delivering a 41 percent chase rate and a 48 percent swing-and-miss rate this spring. He also demonstrated a feel for an upper-80s changeup with sink and fade, though he didn’t use it often. An athletic performer, Dudan cut his walk rate from 15 percent in his first two seasons to 6 percent in 2026. While his improved control and changeup development boost his chances of succeeding as a starter, scouts note that his delivery features a long arm action and a low slot, which lends itself to a projected transition to the bullpen. He’s expected to miss mound action again until late 2027, which adds a layer of hesitation regarding his long-term role.
Turning to Martin, the UCLA infielder who stepped back behind Cholowsky, played third base this past season but could be seen at shortstop by the Athletics as they evaluate his versatility. Offensively, Martin profiles as a hitter who sees plenty of pitches and occasionally barrels up a home run. There are questions about whether he’ll consistently adjust to high-level pitching, but for now, his presence strengthens Oakland’s infield depth. MLB Pipeline’s profile of Martin notes: Hit 50, Power 45, Run 40, Arm 65, Field 55, Overall 45. Martin was once a Top 100 prospect as a California prep infielder ahead of the 2023 Draft and would have been the second-highest ranked player to go undrafted had he not removed his name from consideration for SEO purposes, a move that was noted but ultimately did not derail his potential impact at the major league level.
Overall, the Athletics’ first-day selections emphasize a blend of high-upside pitching and infield depth. Dudan represents a speculative, long-path investment with the athleticism and raw tools that could yield dividends in late-inning action once he’s fully recovered and his control has settled. Martin adds a different kind of upside—a durable infield bat with defensive versatility that could prove valuable as Oakland continues to build its roster. The combination signals a deliberate approach: target potential impact players who can contribute down the line while managing upside with a careful, injury-aware timeline.