The 2026 MLB Draft is wrapping up on Sunday as hundreds of top prospects and college baseball stars have gotten to accomplish their dreams of reaching the professional ranks. For a college baseball program, the dynamic of the MLB Draft is always more interesting, as you have to worry about High School signees and potential returnees being picked, and altering future plans.
Among the prospects Oregon knew they were going to lose coming into the MLB Draft was veteran 3rd baseman Drew Smith. Given that Drew Smith has graduated, and doesn't appear to be challenging for additional eligibility through the 5-for-5 rule, everyone was able to celebrate his selection.
The Giants got an absolute steal in Oregon star Drew Smith
As the MLB Draft got underway, as each round went by, it became harder to understand why Drew Smith hadn't heard his name called yet. On Sunday Afternoon, the wait finally ended for the Ducks' star 3rd baseman when the San Francisco Giants selected him in the 15th of the 20 rounds in the MLB Draft.
San Francisco Treat@SFGiants get a good one in the 15th round with the selection of @drewsmith1742. Congrats Drew! #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/ciJ9Wadua5
— Oregon Duck Baseball (@OregonBaseball) July 12, 2026
The San Francisco Giants are getting a versatile fielder as Drew Smith moved around the infield during his time in Eugene. When Drew Smith finally settled into a position, he was outstanding at 3rd base, and he'll have a great chance to stick with the position as he develops within the Giants' minor league system.
At the plate is where the Giants may be getting an absolute steal, as Drew Smith was one of the best batters in the country. This season, Drew Smith posted a .338/.421/.618 slash line with a team high 16 home runs. For his efforts, Drew Smith was an All-Big Ten selection, driving in 64 RBIs as a constant force producing in the middle of the Ducks' order.
The most exciting thing for Giants' fans should be Drew Smith's potential once they get back to being a Playoff team. Drew Smith constantly delivered in the postseason, getting named to the all-tournament team 3 different times, helping power Oregon's offense in the NCAA Tournament.
The good news for Oregon fans is that they'll have a chance to watch Drew Smith as he tries to develop into a major leaguer. The San Francisco Giants High-A affiliate is the Eugene Emeralds, meaning he should have a solid support system if he ends up there at any point in his journey to the big leagues.
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