​A University of Dayton baseball player has been selected on the final day of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. The news was confirmed by a UD spokesperson, who announced that the San Diego Padres drafted Michael Smith, Jr. in the 13th round of the MLB Draft. This marks another milestone for UD’s baseball program as Smith becomes the program’s 20th MLB draft pick in the school’s history and the fifth under the leadership of current head coach Jayson King.
Smith’s contribution to Dayton’s 2026 season was significant. He appeared in 53 of the Flyers’ 54 games, showcasing his durability and versatility in the lineup. He also made a notable impact on the basepaths, setting a single-season program record with 38 stolen bases. His speed and baserunning threat were evident throughout the year, making him a constant concern for opposing defenses.
In terms of national recognition, Smith was profiled as a high-caliber prospect. D1Baseball ranked him as the No. 67 outfielder in its Top 100 list, underscoring the talent level that caught the attention of MLB scouts during the season. The UD spokesperson highlighted this ranking as a reflection of Smith’s athletic prowess and potential at the next level.
The Padres organization will now look to develop Smith’s already evident tools within their system. It’s worth noting that the Padres’ current manager is Craig Stammen, a former Dayton Flyer pitcher, which adds an interesting local connection to this draft selection. Stammen’s background with UD is part of a broader narrative about the Flyers’ influence in MLB and the ongoing success of Dayton alumni in professional baseball.
This development places UD baseball in an advantageous position as they celebrate another player moving on to the professional ranks. Smith’s journey from Dayton to the MLB stage exemplifies the program’s ability to cultivate talented athletes who can perform at a high level across a full season and then translate that performance into professional opportunities. His story will serve as an inspiration to current Flyers and a point of pride for Dayton’s coaching staff, which continues to recruit and develop top-tier talent under King’s leadership.
As the 2026 MLB Draft concluded, Smith’s selection by the Padres adds to Dayton’s legacy of producing MLB players and reinforces the program’s reputation for grooming speed, skill, and strategic baserunning. Flyers fans and UD supporters will undoubtedly follow Smith’s professional trajectory with interest, hoping to see him advance through the Padres’ minor league system and perhaps reach the majors in the years to come. The combination of his proven track record, elite speed, and the platform provided by a major league organization creates a compelling backdrop for what could be a notable professional career ahead for Michael Smith, Jr.