Jack Natili Selected by the Colorado Rockies in Third Round of MLB Draft

Natili is third-highest Bearcat ever taken in the draft, goes No. 76 overall

Jack Natili Selected by the Colorado Rockies in Third Round of MLB DraftJack Natili Selected by the Colorado Rockies in Third Round of MLB Draft

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati baseball catcher Jack Natili was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday.

The No. 76 overall pick, Natili is the third-highest pick in program history following Ian Happ (No. 9, 2015) and Billy Wolff (No. 60, 1965). He is the third Bearcat ever selected by the Rockies following Bill Metzinger (1992) and Evan Shawver (2021).

An All-Big 12 honoree for the second straight year, Natili had an outstanding junior season. He hit .339 with a 1.098 OPS, adding 19 home runs, 65 RBI, 15 doubles, and 50 runs scored. He tied the single-game school record for home runs on three separate occasions this season, blasting three home runs in games against Utah (March 21), UCF (April 19), and in the NCAA Tournament win vs. Louisiana (May 29). He is the only player this decade to hit at least three home runs in a game at least three times in one season.

“Jack has transformed himself into one of the most well-rounded catchers in the country,” head coach Jordan Bischel said. “His leadership qualities on top of his physical abilities will help him impact games at the professional level both offensively and defensively for a long time.”

Natili hit .338 in his first season with the Bearcats in 2025 and had nine home runs, 53 RBI, and 14 doubles. He started 50 games behind the plate and ended the year ranking sixth in the Big 12 in on-base percentage (.451).

Natili participated in the 2026 MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix and impressed. He ranked No, 71 on ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel’s final Top 150 draft rankings, and he was No. 74 on MLB Pipeline’s final draft rankings. Baseball America mentioned him twice in its “Best Tools in the Draft” piece, touting him as one of the best defensive catchers and one of the best power hitters among college prospects.

CINCINNATI BASEBALL – ALL-TIME TOP THREE ROUND SELECTIONS*

  • Ian Happ – Round 1, Pick 9 (2015)
  • Billy Wolff – Round 3, Pick 60 (1965)
  • Jack Natili – Round 3, Pick 76 (2026)
  • Dave Sala – Round 3, Pick 78 (1986)
  • Landyn Vidourek – Round 3, Pick 104 (2025)

*Does not include January secondary draft selections (1966-86)

FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest news and updates, follow @GoBearcatsBASE on X/Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.