Matt Mansbery Set to Make History in 2026 MLB Draft

Matt Mansbery, a standout shortstop from Walsh Jesuit High School, is drawing serious attention ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. Scouts project the 2026 graduate at pick 320, with the Baltimore Orioles poised to select him with their seventh pick in the 11th round. The two‑day draft schedule runs from Saturday through Sunday, giving teams plenty of time to evaluate top prospects like Mansbery.

Draft Outlook and Potential Team

Perfect Game’s scouting report slots Mansbery at 320th overall, a position that reflects his refined bat and fielding versatility. If the projection holds, the Orioles would be the acquiring organization, adding a right‑handed hitting shortstop to their minor‑league pipeline. The 2026 draft’s structure—first four rounds on Saturday, final 16 rounds on Sunday—means teams have ample opportunity to land players in later rounds. Mansbery is slated to begin his college career at the University of Michigan, where he’ll join a program known for developing elite defensive players.

High School Numbers and Awards

During his final season, Mansbery helped Walsh Jesuit reach the Division II state championship, finishing as runner‑up. He posted a .402 batting average, complemented by seven doubles, five triples, nine RBIs and 30 runs scored while batting leadoff. Over three seasons, his aggregate line reads .412 with 103 hits in 250 at‑bats, 19 doubles, 10 triples, four home runs, 40 RBIs and 69 runs. He earned first‑team All‑Ohio honors in 2025 and received honorable mention recognition in 2026. Manager Joe Bowers described him as “such a smooth athlete… everything he does is pretty clean and smooth. He’s fun to watch.”

Walsh Jesuit’s Draft Legacy

The school’s best draft showing came in 2010, when three alumni were selected in a 50‑round format. Johnny Fasola landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 36th round, Greg Greve was taken by the San Francisco Giants in the 45th round, and Tyler Skulina joined the Athletics in the 46th round. Those picks remain the benchmark for a program that consistently produces drafted talent. The 2026 class could add Mansbery to that list, marking another strong showing for Walsh Jesuit.

Professional Alumni and Future Prospects

To date, 12 former Walsh Jesuit players have reached the minors or Major League Baseball. Notable names include left‑handed pitcher David Starn, who pitched for the Atlanta Braves from 2012‑2014, and utility player Matt Bok, who saw action with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002‑2003. The pipeline of talent suggests a culture of development that could help Mansbery transition smoothly to professional baseball. As he begins his college career, the foundation laid at Walsh Jesuit positions him well for a potential MLB debut in the coming years.

The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2026 MLB Draft prospect Matt Mansbery. Why he could get drafted