Athletics Draft Cincinnati Reliever Dominic Mauro in 10th Round

The Athletics added bullpen depth Sunday, selecting Cincinnati reliever Dominic Mauro in the 10th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Mauro is the third Bearcats player drafted from the 2026 NCAA Tournament team.

The A's are currently 41-55, sitting 13th in the American League after a 9-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on July 12. They're on a nine-game losing streak.

Who is Dominic Mauro?

Mauro spent just one season at Cincinnati after transferring from Northwood. He struck out 43 batters across 41.0 innings, recording five saves as a key bullpen arm.

Sixteen of his 21 appearances lasted at least two innings. He didn't allow a walk over his final six outings, a stretch covering 10.1 innings.

Before Cincinnati, Mauro pitched at Northwood for two seasons. He helped lead that program to the NCAA Division II Championships in 2025, its first trip ever. That year he posted a 3.02 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 44.2 innings.

What does this mean for the Athletics?

The A's have been aggressive in adding arms through the draft. Mauro fits a need — the big-league bullpen has struggled during the current nine-game skid.

He's the first Cincinnati player drafted by the A's since Mike Spina in 2009. Spina was UC's all-time single-season home run leader until Quinton Coats broke the record this spring.

Cincinnati head coach Jordan Bischel praised Mauro's growth. "Even though Dom was only with us one year, it was a thrill to see his growth," Bischel said. "He made a huge impact on our bullpen this year and has an arsenal that will help him be very successful at the professional level."

How did the rest of Cincinnati's draft go?

Catcher Jack Natili went to the Colorado Rockies in the third round on July 11. Pitcher Nathan Taylor was selected by the Seattle Mariners later that same round.

It's the first time since 2018 that UC has had three players taken in the same draft. That year Cam Alldred (Pirates, 24th round), J.T. Perez (Twins, 29th round), and A.J. Bumpass (Reds, 39th round) all got picked.

What's next for Mauro?

He'll report to the Athletics' minor-league system. The A's are currently playing in Sacramento, with a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028.

Mauro's ability to work multiple innings and limit walks — he didn't issue a free pass in his final six outings — gives him a real shot to move quickly. The A's need arms, and he's got a track record of getting outs.