USC's Mason Edwards: From College Ace to MLB Prospect

USC's Mason Edwards: From College Ace to MLB Prospect

USC's standout left-handed pitcher, Mason Edwards, had a remarkable season, earning the title of Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and playing a crucial role in leading the Trojans to the Super Regional, where they faced the North Carolina Tar Heels. Edwards showcased his talent as the ace of the Trojans, finishing the season undefeated at 8-0 with an impressive 1.97 ERA and a college baseball-leading 169 strikeouts.

While Edwards' exceptional performance on the mound will be missed by USC, he now has the opportunity to make a significant impact on an MLB team. The 2026 MLB Draft is approaching, and Edwards is projected to be selected at No. 29 overall in the first round by the San Francisco Giants. This selection could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling Giants franchise, as Edwards is considered one of their top pitching prospects with the potential to help them return to postseason contention.

Despite being ranked below other top pitching prospects in the draft, Edwards has a strong case for being the best pitcher in the 2026 class. His consistent improvement over the years at USC mirrors the team's progress under coach Andy Stankiewicz, with Edwards making a remarkable leap in performance from the 2025 to the 2026 season. His ERA dropped from 3.86 to 1.97, and his strikeout total surged from 46 to 169, highlighting his exceptional growth and potential in the world of baseball.