Oregon Baseball Hires Ryan Fineman to Revamp Recruiting

Fineman Brings Southern Recruiting Expertise

The Oregon Ducks baseball team began its upward trajectory after Mark Wasikowski took the reins in 2020. However, NIL‑rich programs have started siphoning several top prospects away this offseason, creating a recruiting crunch. The Ducks posted a program‑record seven players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, yet the talent drain continues to challenge the program.

Ryan Fineman has been named assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Ducks. He spent the last two seasons at Troy, helping the Trojans reach the College World Series. Fineman also worked with catchers at Troy and Old Dominion and served as Alabama’s director of player personnel in 2023.

Fineman’s player background gives him a keen eye for talent and strong Southern connections. Wasikowski praised his “high‑character baseball guy” reputation and highlighted his success at Troy, Chipola Junior College, and Alabama. The expectation is that his network will spark interest from high‑school and junior‑college players across the Southeast.

Key Catcher Talent Ready for Development

Oregon already fields intriguing catcher depth that Fineman can shape for the upcoming season. Freshman All‑American Brayden Jaksa is primed to claim the starting spot behind the dish. Transfer Cole Chamberlain brings additional experience, while drafted alumnus Jacob Madrid and freshman Trenton Herzog round out the rotation.

Fineman’s recruiting is viewed as a potential answer to the recent loss of longtime Ducks coordinator Jack Marder, who moved to Texas this offseason. By blending his Big Ten playing roots with Southern recruiting ties, Oregon hopes to retain local prospects and attract talent from the Midwest and the South. His tenure at Indiana and a brief stint as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays lend him credibility among players weighing their options.

If the new strategy clicks, the Ducks could pivot back toward a purely recruiting‑driven roster by the 2027 season, easing reliance on transfers. The success of the 2026 draft class provides a solid foundation, and a strong incoming class may keep Oregon competitive in the Pac‑12. Fans will be watching closely to see whether Fineman’s connections translate into on‑field improvements.