The Oregon Ducks are charging toward the postseason, and all eyes are on their star-studded middle infield as they prepare for a critical stretch. With a daunting road trip to No. 1 UCLA and a home series against No. 21 USC to close the regular season, the Ducks have their work cut out for them. But amid the pressure, two of their brightest talents are drawing serious attention from the next level.
Second baseman Ryan Cooney and shortstop Maddox Molony have been recognized among the top prospects in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft, according to MLB Pipeline's latest rankings. Cooney, a Portland native, has been a revelation at the plate this season. After earning Big Ten First-Team All-Conference honors last year, he's elevated his game even further. Cooney leads Oregon's qualified batters with a .373 batting average, and his discipline at the plate is remarkable—he's drawn more walks (20) than strikeouts (19). While he may not be the team's biggest power hitter, he's found a groove since moving to the No. 3 spot in the lineup, smashing eight home runs, a team-leading 16 doubles, and driving in 36 runs. His ranking at No. 134 on the prospect list reflects his consistent production and versatility.
Molony, a Thurston High School product, has faced some challenges at the plate this season, slashing .242/.358/.446 with eight homers and 29 RBI in 44 games. That's led to a drop from No. 49 to No. 122 in the rankings. But scouts aren't worried—they're more focused on his elite defensive skills. At 6-foot-2, Molony has the arm talent and quick instincts to stick at shortstop long-term, and his .977 fielding percentage (with just three errors all season) proves his reliability up the middle. His power potential at the plate sets a high floor, making him a compelling prospect despite the offensive dip.
Together, Cooney and Molony form one of the nation's top middle infields, and their development is a key storyline as the Ducks push for a regional hosting bid. For fans watching the MLB Draft pipeline, these two Ducks are names to remember.