The 2026 MLB Draft was a significant event for the University of Oklahoma (OU) baseball program, showcasing the talent and potential of its players. With 19 Sooners eligible for selection, the draft provided an opportunity for these athletes to take the next step in their baseball careers. Here's a breakdown of the draft, focusing on the selected players and their achievements.
Lachance's Lethal Hitting
One of the standout performers in the draft was Deiten Lachance, a former OU catcher. Lachance's impressive .327 batting average and 18 home runs across 65 games caught the attention of the Cleveland Guardians, who selected him in the sixth round. His performance in the NCAA Tournament was particularly notable, as he hit six home runs in 13 games, including a historic feat of recording multiple home runs in a single College World Series (CWS) game. Lachance's awards and accolades, such as the D1 Baseball All-America Third Team and College World Series All-Tournament Team, further highlight his exceptional talent.
Mercurius' Pitching Prowess
Another notable Sooner was right-handed pitcher LJ Mercurius, who was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth round. Mercurius' single season with the Sooners after two seasons at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, showcased his pitching prowess. With an earned record of 7-7 and an earned run average of 4.43 over 83.1 innings, he earned NCAA Atlanta Regional All-Tournament Team honors and four saves in the NCAA Tournament. His older brother, Xander Mercurius, is a rising sophomore pitcher at OU, adding to the family's baseball legacy.
Willits' Championship Impact
Jaxon Willits, a former OU infielder, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round. Willits' three seasons in Norman were marked by a .307 career batting average, 179 hits, and 25 home runs. His junior season, in particular, was a standout performance, as he was the centerpiece of the Sooners' national championship run. Willits' achievements include a .326 batting average in 2025 and the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award. With his family's baseball heritage, including his father Reggie and brother Eli, Willits continues a legacy of success.
Brock's Early Exit
Brendan Brock, a former OU outfielder/catcher, was the first Sooner off the board, selected in the third round by the New York Yankees. Brock's single season in Norman after two seasons at Southwestern Illinois was impactful, with a .302 batting average, 74 hits, and 13 home runs. His performance in the NCAA Tournament, including 21 hits and three home runs across 13 games, solidified his role in OU's national championship run. Brock's selection continues the program's streaks of having at least one player taken in every draft since 1970 and at least one player selected in the first 10 rounds every year since 2011.
Unranked Sooners Still Available
Several Sooners, including junior infielder Camden Johnson, junior left-handed pitcher Cameron Johnson, and other players, are still available in the draft. Their rankings and selections will be updated as the draft progresses, providing further opportunities for these talented athletes to be drafted and pursue professional baseball careers.
In summary, the 2026 MLB Draft showcased the diverse talents of the OU baseball program. From Lachance's lethal hitting to Mercurius' pitching prowess and Willits' championship impact, these players have left their mark on the draft. As the draft continues, the remaining Sooners will have the chance to follow in their footsteps and achieve their baseball dreams.
