USC’s Mason Edwards selected in second round of MLB Draft by Athletics
Despite not going in the first round of Saturday’s draft, USC’s ace is still the highest-drafted Trojan since 2009
Despite not going in the first round of Saturday’s draft, USC’s ace is still the highest-drafted Trojan since 2009 This report comes from Yahoo Sport
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
Mason Edwards’ selection in the second round of the MLB Draft underscores USC’s enduring pipeline of pitching talent, even as the program navigates a broader shift in college baseball’s draft landscape. For a program that once dominated early-round picks, Edwards’ selection—nearly a decade after the last Trojan went in the first round—serves as a reminder that USC’s development system remains a viable path to professional success, particularly for arms that can rebound from draft-day uncertainty.
Background Context
USC’s baseball program has historically been a launching pad for top-tier pitching prospects, with the last first-round Trojan selected in 2009. The program’s recent draft trajectory reflects a national trend where teams are increasingly prioritizing college relievers and high-velocity arms over traditional starting pitchers, often targeting players in the second and third rounds where risk profiles are lower. Edwards’ selection comes at a time when the MLB Draft’s early rounds have become more unpredictable, with teams increasingly favoring pitchers with reliever-ready arsenals.
What Happens Next
Edwards’ path now hinges on whether the Athletics decide to sign him or keep him in the developmental system for refinement. If he signs, his progression will be closely monitored as a potential bullpen piece or spot starter, given his likely role in Oakland’s rebuilding efforts. For USC, his selection may reinforce the program’s reputation as a reliable supplier of arms, even amid a draft where early-round talent often overshadows mid-round selections.
Bigger Picture
Edwards’ draft placement aligns with a broader MLB trend where teams are increasingly drafting college pitchers with reliever profiles due to the sport’s evolving bullpen economics. The shift mirrors how MLB organizations have redefined draft strategy, prioritizing high-velocity arms with projectable repertoires over traditional developmental starters. For programs like USC, this evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity to adapt their pitching pipelines to meet the league’s changing demands.
