Eric Becker Joins Cincinnati Reds

Draft Day Arrival

Eric Becker, a 21‑year‑old infielder from Thiells, became the Cincinnati Reds’ second pick on Saturday. The team selected him in the second round as the overall No. 58 pick of the 2026 MLB Draft. In the first round, Cincinnati also took a shortstop, Justin Lebron from the University of Alabama, showing the club’s focus on infield talent. Coach Mike Rooney of Don Bosco Prep noted that, without COVID‑19 limiting opportunities, Becker likely would have been drafted right out of high school three years ago.

College Versatility

During his time at the University of Virginia, Becker settled into the shortstop role but demonstrated wide‑ranging ability. He logged innings at second base, third base and even a bit of outfield before locking into his primary position. Becker also earned a third‑base spot on the 2025 USA National Collegiate Team, underscoring his defensive flexibility. His college batting line of .317 with six home runs and a team‑leading 16 doubles helped attract interest from numerous clubs.

Brotherly Competition

Becker’s younger sibling, Nick, has already carved a path into professional baseball. Nick, also a shortstop, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the previous year’s second round, going one position higher at No. 57 overall. Nick is now playing rookie ball and boasts an OPS that tops .900, a mark that may give him bragging rights for the foreseeable future. Eric, who watches the draft with his brother in Thiells, said Nick has been a steady source of support.

Next Steps and Training

After signing, Becker expects to report to the Reds’ spring complex in Arizona within the next several days. The facility sits roughly an hour from where Nick is based, offering the brothers a chance to reunite on the diamond. Though his stay may be brief before moving to a lower‑level affiliate, the proximity adds a personal twist to his early professional stint. Cincinnati’s expressed strong interest made the unexpected pick feel like a perfect fit for his career trajectory.

Injury Context and Team Interest

Becker’s draft stock slipped a few spots after a hand injury sidelined him for 13 games this spring. Even with that setback, he posted a solid .317 average, added six home runs and led the team with 16 doubles. The impressive numbers prompted more than 10 MLB organizations to reach out during the process. Cincinnati’s persistent interest ultimately turned into a second‑round selection, and Becker described himself as “super happy” with the outcome.

What Scouts Are Saying

Coach Rooney, who lives in Stony Point, praised Becker’s consistency and field instincts, noting that Eric is “a super‑talented kid” who “leads by example.” He added that Becker is “quiet, sincere” and “happiest on the baseball field,” a combination that has fueled his success so far. While Nick is considered faster and more athletic, Eric’s reliable play and quiet intensity have earned him a spot at the next level. Rooney believes the extensive work done by Seattle and Cincinnati indicates both brothers have a strong chance to reach the majors.

Family Baseball Legacy

The Becker family tree is deep in athletic achievement. Their father, Jeff, was a two‑time All‑State infielder who also starred as an All‑State quarterback, leading North Rockland to a state championship. Jeff earned 1995 State Baseball Player of the Year honors, played four years at Duke, and spent a couple of seasons in the minors. Growing up surrounded by such talent helped shape both Eric and Nick’s work ethic and love for the game.

Looking Ahead

Eric says his brother has taught him a “forget mentality,” encouraging him to let poor days fade quickly and focus on daily improvement. The younger Becker dreams of becoming a “solidified Major League all‑star,” a goal he is already pursuing with enthusiasm. Being drafted was “definitely a cool moment,” but he views it as just the beginning of a longer journey. With his family’s baseball heritage and the support of his brother, the path ahead looks promising for a player who aims for the highest levels of the sport.

Eric Becker follows in younger brother Nick’s footsteps

The 21-year-old follows his younger brother, Nick, now 19, into pro ball.

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Nick, also a shortstop, had committed to Virginia before the Seattle Mariners drafted him out of Don Bosco last year. He also went in the second round — one position higher than Eric, at No. 57 overall.

So, Nick, who’s now playing in rookie ball, where his OPS is impressive, topping .900, may have some bragging rights for at least the immediate future.

“I’m sure he’ll have something to say about that,” Eric said with a laugh, while noting he’s close to his brother and Nick had been supporting him from afar while he watched the draft at home in Thiells.

Where he goes next and when isn’t completely established, but Becker said he expects after signing a contract, he’ll be sent sometime over the next several days to the Reds’ spring training complex in Arizona.

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While his stay there may be short before he’s dispatched to what’s likely to be some level of A ball, he said the Reds’ complex is only about an hour from where his brother plays, so he’s looking forward to touching base with him out there.

Becker was expected to go somewhat higher in the draft but analysts posed that injuries were responsible for him slipping a little later than originally forecast.

Despite a hand injury sidelining him for 13 games this spring, he still hit .317 with six home runs, a team-leading 16 doubles and also six home runs.

Those stats prompted more than 10 MLB clubs to reach out to Becker in advance of the draft.

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Cincinnati had expressed a lot of interest, so its decision to take him didn’t surprise Becker.

“Honestly, I’m super happy,” he said.

While Nick’s a bit faster and regarded as somewhat more athletic, Eric is known for his consistency in the field and for having great instincts that make up for any perceived lack of quickness, Rooney indicated.

“He’s a super-talented kid. He’s always been super-talented,” he said, adding he “leads by example.”

“He’s a quiet, sincere player,” said Rooney, who lives in Stony Point. “He’s happiest on the baseball field. If you’re not that way, it’s really hard to have the success he’s had and will continue to have.”

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The Beckers’ success is not all that hard to explains since their dad, Jeff, was both an All-State quarterback, leading North Rockland to a state championship, and a two-time All-State infielder, whose team won two state championships. After being named 1995 state Baseball Player of the Year, he played baseball for four years for Duke and then for a couple of years in the minor leagues.

But it’s really based on their own merits that Rooney believes both Eric and Nick will eventually both play in the Majors.

Pointing to Seattle and now Cincinnati having done extensive scouting and research to draft both so high, Rooney said, “I’d be more surprised if they did not make it. … (They’ve) invested millions into these kids.”

“I’m super excited to take advantage of whatever they put in front of me,” Eric Becker said.

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He said his brother had stressed the importance of him embracing a “forget mentality,” putting 0-for-4 days immediately behind, and to approach each day intent on doing his best.

Becker said he’s looking forward to playing his brother not only in the minors but also in the majors.

Being drafted Saturday was “definitely a cool moment,” he said.

But he’s looking or much more.

“My dream,” he said, “is to be a solidified Major League all-star.”

“Nancy Haggerty covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Thiells’ Eric Becker dreams of all-star career after drafted by Reds