2026 MLB Draft Recap: Connecticut’s Notable Picks
The 2026 MLB Draft has come to a close, and the state of Connecticut has reason to celebrate, as a record-breaking number of players with ties to the state were selected. A total of 13 players with Connecticut connections were chosen by the league’s 30 franchises, a testament to the state’s rich baseball tradition and the talent that it continues to produce.
Source: s.yimg.com
Connecticut High School Stars Shine Bright
Among the top picks were several talented high school players from Connecticut, who have already made a name for themselves in the baseball world. Ryan Oshinskie, a 6-foot-3 righthander from Fairfield, was the highest-drafted Connecticut native in this year’s draft, heading to the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth round. Oshinskie’s impressive rise from the Ivy League to the show was capped off by a stellar season in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he posted a superb 1.93 ERA across 13 appearances.
Source: s.yimg.com
Matt Scott, a Redding native, will begin his MLB career with the Cleveland Guardians after being selected in the eighth round. Scott’s experience in pressure-packed moments, including Georgia’s run to the College World Series last month, made him an attractive pick for the Guardians. Matthew Buccierro, a Fairfield University standout, became just the third Stag drafted inside the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft and the first in over 40 years, joining the Chicago White Sox.
Zach Peters, a 23-year-old right-hander from North Haven, was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 10th round. Peters’ remarkable senior season for VCU, where he finished with an 8-1 record and a 1.68 ERA, caught the attention of scouts and earned him a spot in the MLB Draft. Patrick Clemmey, a 6-foot-5 pitcher from Avon Old Farms, was selected in the 12th round by the Miami Marlins.
Connecticut College Stars Make Their Mark
Elliot Lascelles, a highly touted middle infielder from Canada, was the highest-rated position player from his high school class and was selected by the San Diego Padres in the second round. Lascelles’ impressive spring, where he hit .389 with four extra-base hits in 59 at-bats, caught the attention of scouts and earned him a spot in the MLB Draft. Charlie West, a UConn standout, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round. West’s impressive sophomore season, where he posted a 6-0 record and a 2.58 ERA, made him an attractive pick for the Dodgers.
Chris Torres, a southpaw from Eastern Connecticut State, was selected by USC Upstate in the 16th round. Torres’ impressive freshman season, where he finished with a 2-5 record, caught the attention of scouts and earned him a spot in the MLB Draft.
Collegiate Summer League Players Make Their Debut
Five players selected in this year’s MLB Draft have previously played for collegiate summer league teams in Connecticut. Eric Guevara, a righthander from the Mystic Shooners, was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the fifth round. Joe Tiroly, a left-hander from the Bristol Blues, was selected by the New York Mets in the sixth round. Andrew Gaines, a southpaw from the Norwich Sea Unicorns, was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth round. Christian Coppola, a righthander from the Mystic Shooners, was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 11th round. Jett Johnson, a left-hander from the Mystic Shooners, was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 12th round.
These players, along with the others selected in this year’s MLB Draft, will be looking to make their mark in the professional baseball world. As they begin their journey to the top, fans and scouts alike will be keeping a close eye on their progress and waiting to see if they will become the next big stars in the world of baseball.
