Seattle Mariners sign Henry Kaczmar as free agent. What to know

Walsh Jesuit High School graduate Henry Kaczmar, who did not get selected in the 2026 MLB Draft this past weekend, still will get a chance to pursue his dreams of playing professional baseball.

And he's going to do it with an organization quite familiar Walsh Jesuit and with his family.

Kaczmar, a shortstop, is signing a free agent deal with the Seattle Mariners, according to Ohio State's baseball program. Kaczmar has starred at Ohio State for much of his college career since graduating from Walsh.

The Mariners drafted Walsh graduate Mason Eckelman in the eighth round on Sunday, July 12. Kaczmar and Eckelman are cousins who played together at both Walsh and Ohio State.

The Mariners also feature Walsh grad Dominic Canzone, who leads Seattle with 15 home runs this season.

Here's a look at more on Kaczmar, who graduated from Walsh in 2022:

Henry Kaczmar's stats

As a senior at Ohio State this past season, Kaczmar batted .316 with 26 doubles, 12 HRs, 47 RBIs and 50 runs last season. He batted .311 (261-for-839) with 53 doubles, six triples, 32 home runs and 157 RBIs and scored 165 runs in three seasons at Ohio State and a season at South Carolina. Kaczmar was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2024 and 2026 and was a 2023 Big Ten All-Freshman selection.

What Walsh Jesuit coach Joe Bowers had to say about Kaczmar

: "Henry's the best. He's just a great kid. He's someone you want in your organization whether it's baseball, business or whatever. He's got a very good arm and has a really good bat."

How many former Walsh Jesuit baseball players have played professionally?

• To date, there have been 12 who played at the minor league level and above.
• OF Dominic Canzone (Arizona Diamondbacks 2019-23; Seattle Mariners, 2023-current)*
• RHP Ryan Feltner (Colorado Rockies, 2018-current)*
• RHP Johnny Fasola (Texas Rangers, 2014-18; St. Louis Cardinals, 2019)
• RHP Chris Machamer (Boston Red Sox, 2018-19)
• LHP Joe Mockbee (Chicago White Sox, 2017-18)
• C Cassidy Brown (Cincinnati Reds, 2016-19)
• RHP Tyler Skulina (Chicago Cubs, 2013-17, Washington Nationals, 2017)
• RHP Greg Greve (Florida Marlins, 2014)
• LHP Chad Rodgers (Atlanta Braves 2006-12, Minnesota Twins, 2013)
• LHP David Starn (Atlanta Braves, 2012-14)
• RHP Patrick O'Brien (Pittsburgh Pirates, 2000-05)
• LF/C/1B Matt Bok (Los Angeles Dodgers, 2002-03)
• * Current major leaguers

The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com. 

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Seattle Mariners sign Henry Kaczmar as free agent. What to know