Athletics select five prospects in Day 1 of 2026 MLB Draft

Athletics announced five Day‑1 selections in the 2026 MLB Draft, adding Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress, USC left‑hander Mason Edwards, Arkansas right‑hander Gabe Gaeckle, NC State right‑hander Jacob Dudan and UCLA shortstop Roman Martin as the club tries to climb from 13th in the AL, 41‑54, after a 1‑0 defeat at Chicago on July 11.

Who did the Athletics pick?

The first‑round pick, Drew Burress, posted a .358 average with a 1.130 OPS at Georgia Tech, belting 16 homers and drawing 49 walks in 2026. He earned First‑Team All‑American honors each year and was a Golden Spikes semifinalist three times. The second‑rounder, Mason Edwards, went 8‑0 with a 2.07 ERA and 169 strikeouts for USC, leading all of college baseball in K’s and snagging Big Ten Pitcher of the Year.

Which arms join the A’s bullpen?

Right‑hander Gabe Gaeckle, taken in Competitive Balance Round B, logged a 6‑3 record, 4.14 ERA and 87 strikeouts for Arkansas in 2026. He finished his college career with a 3.83 ERA over 185.2 innings. Jacob Dudan, a third‑round selection from NC State, posted a 4‑1 record, 3.60 ERA and 62 strikeouts before Tommy John surgery ended his season early. Both pitchers add depth to a staff that needs fresh arms after a rough start.

What does the shortstop bring?

Roman Martin, the fourth‑round pick from UCLA, hit .333 with a .995 OPS in 2026 and was named to the All‑Big Ten Team. His career slash line sits at .321/.949 with 21 homers, and he earned Regional Most Outstanding Player honors as UCLA reached the College World Series. Martin offers a defensive upgrade at shortstop and a left‑handed bat in the lineup.

How do these picks fit the Athletics’ rebuild?

The A’s are still 13th in the American League, 41‑54, after a 1‑0 loss to the White Sox on July 11. Adding Burress’s power, Edwards’s strikeout ability, and Martin’s contact hitting gives the front office tools to accelerate the rebuild. The new arms could compete for a rotation spot or bolster the bullpen, while the position players add depth to a farm system that has been thin at the top. The draft haul reflects a strategy of mixing high‑upside college talent with players who have already proven they can dominate at the next level.

What’s next for the Athletics?

The club will sign the five draftees over the coming weeks, then integrate them into minor‑league assignments. With the major‑league roster still searching for consistency, the new talent offers hope that the A’s can improve their standing before the season ends. Scouts will watch how quickly Burress adjusts to pro pitching and whether Edwards can translate his strikeout dominance to the minors. The Athletics’ front office hopes the draft class will be a catalyst for a turnaround, even as the big‑league club fights to snap an eight‑game losing streak.