Oregon's middle infield, featuring Ryan Cooney and Maddox Molony, is attracting attention ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. Both players are highlighted in MLB Pipeline's top draft prospects list despite Molony's recent struggles at the plate.
All focus is on a strong finish to the regular season and hopefully winding up with a regional hosting bid for the Oregon Ducks. There are certainly some roadblocks ahead, including a trip to No. 1 UCLA followed by a home series against No. 21 USC to close out the regular season.
However, the Ducks have some promising talent on the diamond that could become early selections in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft. Oregon's middle infield is among the best in the nation. Second baseman Ryan Cooney has been a key piece of the Ducks' success offensively this season, while shortstop Maddox Molony has played stellar defense up the middle.
MLB Pipeline's new list ranking the top 150 draft prospects features both Molony and Cooney. It's been a down year for Molony at the plate, who fell from No. 49 to No. 122 in the latest rankings, but his arm talent and quick instincts give scouts hope that he could stick at shortstop long term. The Thurston High School product is having his worst season as a Duck at the plate, slashing .242/.358/.446 in 44 games, but he's still contributing from the middle of the lineup with eight homers, eight doubles and 29 RBI.
Molony's best attribute is in the field, where he has a .977 fielding percentage after making just three errors so far this season at shortstop for the Ducks. With a 6-foot-2 frame, scouts are excited about his future at shortstop, and his power results at the plate have set a high floor for his potential.
Cooney comes in at No. 134 on the list after an incredible start to the season at the plate. After earning Big Ten First-Team All-Conference honors last season, Cooney has continued to level up. The junior for Portland leads Oregon's qualified batters with a .373 batting average this season and has drawn more walks (20) than strikeouts (19). Although Cooney isn't the Ducks' biggest power threat, he has thrived since moving down to No. 3 in the batting order. Cooney has eight home runs, 16 doubles (leads the team) and 36 RBI this season.
Ryan Cooney and Maddox Molony are the standout middle infield prospects from Oregon for the 2026 MLB Draft.
Maddox Molony has a .242 batting average with eight homers and is currently ranked No. 122 in the MLB draft prospects list.
Ryan Cooney has been a key offensive player for the Oregon Ducks, contributing significantly to their success this season.
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At Oregon, Cooney has bounced around the field, previously starting as a shortstop and third baseman before moving to the keystone position. He's been reliable as well, with only four errors and a .976 fielding percentage this year. He also presents a threat on the base paths, stealing 12 bags while only being caught twice.
Neither player is likely to be in discussion for the first round when the draft begins in July, but the Ducks' middle infield could increase its stock with a strong finish to the season and by securing the program's first trip to Omaha for the College World Series since the program was reinstated in 2009.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Molony, Cooney highlight Oregon baseball prospects ahead of MLB draft