​Mason Eckelman, a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, heard his name called by the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, July 12, when he was selected in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Eckelman, a catcher, was picked 250th overall, a slot value listed at roughly $220,900 by MLB Pipeline. He marks another milestone for Walsh Jesuit, joining Ryan Piech, who was chosen No. 200 by the Baltimore Orioles on the same draft day.
Here’s a look at Eckelman’s journey, including his three-year stint at Ohio State after graduating from Walsh Jesuit in 2022. In his junior season at Ohio State, Eckelman hit .304, producing 15 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, and 47 RBIs while scoring 42 runs. Over three seasons with the Buckeyes, he has compiled a .280 batting average (115-for-410) with 25 doubles, six triples, 13 homers, and 81 RBIs. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2026 for his performance.
Baseball runs in Eckelman’s family as well. His father, Alex Eckelman, played in the minor leagues and currently serves as the senior vice president of hitting for the Cleveland Guardians. Those baseball roots, combined with Mason’s consistent production behind the plate and at the plate, have been noted by coaches and teammates. One veteran evaluator described him as “a stud hitter, catcher and person,” adding that his swing has been refined since he was a youngster and that he possesses “the genes” for success.
A memorable moment from Eckelman’s college days came during a game against Arizona State, where Ohio State catcher Mason Eckelman, wearing No. 16, tagged out Nu’u Contrades at home in the fifth inning at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on February 16, 2025. Eckelman’s performance has been part of a longer narrative about a player who has steadily contributed to his teams on both offense and defense.
Some context on Eckelman’s path includes the fact that 12 players from his programs have reached the minor leagues or higher, reflecting a strong pipeline from his schools to professional baseball. Among current major leaguers connected to this pipeline are left-handed pitcher David Starn, who played for the Atlanta Braves from 2012 to 2014, and others who have moved up through the ranks over the years.
For readers seeking more details or updates, local coverage can be found through the Akron Beacon Journal. The paper’s sports department can be reached by email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com, and headlines about Eckelman’s selection and what it means for Walsh Jesuit and Ohio State will continue to be covered as the Mariners’ organization plots its development plan for the catcher’s future in professional baseball. This article originated with the Akron Beacon Journal as part of its reporting on the Mariners drafting Mason Eckelman in the 2026 MLB Draft, and is tailored to enhance visibility and searchability for those following amateur to pro transitions in a contemporary baseball narrative.