The University of Cincinnati baseball program reached another milestone during the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft as three Bearcats heard their names called, highlighting the continued rise of the program under head coach Jordan Bischel.

Catcher Jack Natili, left-handed pitcher Nathan Taylor, and right-handed pitcher Dominic Mauro were all selected after standout collegiate careers, giving Cincinnati one of its strongest draft classes in recent memory. Each player brings a unique skill set to professional baseball, but all three share one common trait—they developed into professional prospects through hard work, consistency, and outstanding production in a Bearcats uniform.

With three players drafted in the top 10 rounds, Cincinnati continues to establish itself as one of the premier player-development programs in the Big 12 Conference.

Jack Natili – Catcher

Drafted: 3rd Round, 76th Overall

Signing Bonus Slot Value: $1.10 Million

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 198 pounds

Organization: Colorado Rockies

Jack Natili became the highest-selected Bearcat in the 2026 MLB Draft when the Colorado Rockies chose the junior catcher with the 76th overall pick.

One of the top catchers in college baseball, Natili developed into the complete package behind the plate. His defensive skills, leadership, game management, and offensive production made him one of the safest selections among college position players.

Why He Was Drafted

Major League organizations covet catchers who can impact the game on both offense and defense, and Natili fits that description perfectly.

He offers:

• Excellent receiving ability
• Strong baseball IQ
• Leadership qualities
• Above-average arm strength
• Consistent offensive production
• Gap power with developing home run potential

Colorado believes Natili has the tools to become an everyday major league catcher, making him one of the organization’s top selections.

Ceiling

Natili projects as a quality everyday MLB catcher capable of hitting .265-.280 with 18-22 home runs while providing above-average defense and handling a pitching staff for years.

Floor

Because of his defensive ability and maturity, his floor is a dependable backup catcher who enjoys a lengthy major league career.

MLB Comparison

Tyler Stephenson offers a strong comparison due to his offensive approach, size, and ability to contribute offensively while managing a pitching staff.

MLB ETA

Late 2028 to Early 2029

Catchers generally require additional development, but Natili’s advanced defensive game could help him move quicker than most.

Nathan Taylor – Left-Handed Pitcher

Drafted: 3rd Round, 101st Overall

Signing Bonus Slot Value: $778,200

Throws/Bats: Left/Right

Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 230 pounds

Organization: Seattle Mariners

Seattle continued its tradition of selecting high-upside college pitchers by drafting Nathan Taylor early in the third round.

The imposing left-hander combines premium size with an excellent fastball and improving secondary pitches. His ability to miss bats while throwing strikes made him one of the most intriguing collegiate arms available.

Why He Was Drafted

The Mariners are widely recognized as one of baseball’s best pitching development organizations.

Taylor gives them:

• Mid-to-upper-90s fastball
• Sharp slider
• Developing changeup
• Durable frame
• Starter’s mentality
• Strikeout potential

His physical profile and athleticism suggest there is still additional upside waiting to be unlocked.

Ceiling

Taylor has the potential to develop into a No. 2 or No. 3 starter capable of logging 180-plus innings annually while producing above-average strikeout totals.

Floor

If command or secondary pitches plateau, he projects as a high-leverage bullpen arm capable of dominating late innings.

MLB Comparison

His combination of size, velocity, and aggressive approach resembles Bryce Miller, another power pitcher developed within Seattle’s organization.

MLB ETA

2028

College pitchers often move quickly through the minors, and Taylor has the polish to reach Seattle within two seasons.

Dominic Mauro – Right-Handed Pitcher

Drafted: 10th Round, 291st Overall

Signing Bonus Slot Value: $198,600

Throws/Bats: Right/Right

Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 210 pounds

Organization: Milwaukee Brewers

Dominic Mauro capped Cincinnati’s impressive draft class when the Milwaukee Brewers selected the hard-throwing right-hander in the 10th round.

While Mauro may not have entered the draft with the same national recognition as Natili or Taylor, scouts consistently appreciated his competitiveness, ability to attack hitters, and projectable professional arsenal.

Milwaukee has earned a reputation for maximizing pitching talent, making Mauro an intriguing addition to its farm system.

Why He Was Drafted

The Brewers saw a pitcher with:

• Quality fastball life
• Improving breaking pitches
• Aggressive mentality
• Strike-throwing ability
• Competitive makeup
• Opportunity for additional velocity gains through professional development

Milwaukee’s pitching development staff has consistently helped pitchers refine their mechanics and improve command, giving Mauro an excellent opportunity to exceed expectations.

Ceiling

Mauro projects as a reliable middle-to-back-end starting pitcher capable of providing quality innings while keeping his team in games.

Floor

His floor is that of a valuable bullpen arm who can provide multiple innings and attack hitters with a power fastball and improved secondary pitches.

MLB Comparison

Mauro’s profile resembles Adrian Houser during his early development—an aggressive right-hander who relies on attacking the strike zone, generating weak contact, and keeping hitters off balance.

MLB ETA

2029

As a college pitcher, Mauro could advance steadily through Milwaukee’s system with continued command improvements and development of his secondary pitches.

What This Means for Cincinnati Baseball

Three draft selections are another indication that Cincinnati baseball continues to trend upward nationally.

Jordan Bischel has transformed the Bearcats into one of the Big 12’s rising programs by emphasizing player development, recruiting, and professional preparation. Producing three drafted players—including two top-101 selections—demonstrates that Major League Baseball organizations have taken notice.

The success of Natili, Taylor, and Mauro should also help Cincinnati attract future recruits looking for a proven pathway to professional baseball.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 MLB Draft was another landmark moment for the University of Cincinnati baseball program.

Jack Natili enters professional baseball with the potential to become an everyday major league catcher. Nathan Taylor possesses the physical tools and power arsenal to develop into a quality starting pitcher, while Dominic Mauro gives the Brewers another intriguing arm with room to grow.

While each player’s journey to the major leagues will present new challenges, all three have the talent, work ethic, and professional makeup to eventually reach baseball’s highest level.

For Cincinnati baseball, this draft class represents more than individual accomplishments—it is further proof that the Bearcats have become a program capable of consistently producing Major League talent. As Jordan Bischel continues building the foundation, the 2026 draft may be remembered as another major step in establishing Cincinnati as one of college baseball’s premier development programs.