Three Cincinnati Bearcats, plus a member of UC’s 2026 recruiting class, heard their names called this weekend during the 2026 MLB Draft. Catcher Jack Natili, starting pitcher Nathan Taylor, and reliever Dominic Mauro were all selected inside the first half of this year’s draft.
Bearcats’ Draft Picks
Jack Natili, Colorado Rockies, No. 76 overall, is the third-highest draft pick in UC baseball history. An All-Big 12 selection each of the last two seasons, Natili hit .339 with 19 home runs and 65 RBI. Nathan Taylor, Seattle Mariners, No. 101 overall, is now the highest-ever selection of a right-handed pitcher out of UC. Dominic Mauro, Athletics, No. 291 overall, recorded five saves for UC this season, striking out 43 batters across 41.0 innings of work.
In addition to the three members of UC’s 2026 roster to get drafted, a Bearcat signee was selected in the second round. Pitcher Jack Slightom was taken with the No. 56 pick by the Kansas City Royals, a pick worth $1.72 million.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
