2026 MLB Draft: 13 Connecticut Talents Selected

Connecticut High School Stars Shine

The 2026 MLB Draft concluded Sunday evening, with a record 681 players chosen by the league’s 30 clubs. Among them, more than a dozen draftees trace their roots back to Connecticut, ranging from native high school phenoms to college standouts and summer‑league alumni.

Ryan Oshinskie, a 6‑foot‑3 right‑handed pitcher from Fairfield, became the state’s highest draft pick at 192nd overall, heading to the Milwaukee Brewers. Oshinskie missed his entire freshman season at Brown because of injury but turned heads with a 1.93 ERA in 13 outings for the Orleans Firebirds in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Matt Scott, a Redding product selected 243rd by the Cleveland Guardians, brings experience from Georgia’s College World Series run. The former GametimeCT Player of the Year in 2022 posted a 7‑0 mark and a solid WHIP in 20 relief appearances before allowing four runs in five innings against Oklahoma.

Matthew Buccierro, drafted 285th, adds another chapter to Fairfield University’s baseball history. He earned MAAC Player of the Year honors with a .668 slugging percentage and capped a standout senior season that also saw him lead the Stags in home runs, RBIs and walks.

Zach Peters, taken 295th by the Miami Marlins, burst onto scouts’ radars with a 1.68 ERA for VCU, ranking fourth in program history. The North Haven native posted an 8‑1 record in 25 starts as VCU chased a 38‑win season and NCAA Tournament berth.

Patrick Clemmey, selected 429th, excelled at Avon Old Farms after a post‑graduate season, showcasing the poise of a 6‑foot‑5 right‑hander on his way to Vanderbilt.

CollegeStars from Connecticut

Elliot Lascelles, a Yale commit, was taken 60th overall by the San Diego Padres, the highest‑rated Canadian position player in this class. Lascelles slashed .389 with four extra‑base hits in spring drills and is slated to receive a $1.6 million signing bonus.

Charlie West, a New York native, shined in his sophomore campaign with UConn, posting a 6‑0 record and 2.58 ERA across 15 starts. The Dodgers snapped him up in the seventh round at 233rd overall, adding to Jim Penders’ legacy of 80 MLB Draft picks.

Chris Torres, selected 490th by USC Upstate, began his college journey at Eastern Connecticut State before transferring after his freshman season. The left‑hander posted a 2‑5 mark with the Warriors in 2024.

Summer League Contributions

Five draftees previously honed their skills in Connecticut’s summer leagues. Eric Guevara (205th), Joe Tiroly (215th), Christian Coppola (369th) and Jett Johnson (396th all suited up for the Mystic Shooners in the NECBL. Andrew Gaines (311th) played for the Norwich Sea Unicorns in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.

The breadth of talent from the Nutmeg State underscores a growing pipeline for MLB talent. With 13 players chosen out of 681 total selections, Connecticut continues to punch above its weight in national baseball recruiting.