Ohio State's Mason Eckelman Earns Spot at 2026 MLB Draft Combine

In a significant recognition of his talents, Ohio State catcher Mason Eckelman has been invited to attend the 2026 MLB Draft Combine, as announced by Major League Baseball. This opportunity comes on the heels of an impressive season for the junior, who boasted a batting average of .304, racking up 59 hits, 15 doubles, four triples, eight home runs, and 47 RBIs, while scoring 42 runs. With a robust .968 OPS, Eckelman also earned a place on the All-Big Ten Third Team.

The MLB Draft Combine is scheduled to occur from June 23-26 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. This year, MLB clubs have extended invitations to the top 300 draft prospects, with a total of 335 players expected to participate, including 195 from college programs.

Eckelman is among a select group of Buckeyes to receive this honor, being the third in the last four years to be invited. Notable previous participants include pitcher Isaiah Coupet in 2023 and pitcher Blaine Wynk in 2025. While the MLB Draft Combine may not attract the same level of attention as its NFL counterpart, fans can catch the action, with coverage beginning at noon ET on June 23 via MLB Network. Additionally, workouts on June 24 will be available for streaming on MLB’s digital platforms.

The MLB Draft will follow shortly after, taking place from July 11-12 in Philadelphia. This event will be a crucial step for many aspiring players looking to make their mark in professional baseball.