D-backs select Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick in Draft
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Fayetteville — The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick with the No. 15 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on Saturday in Philadelphia. Helfrick, a right-handed-hitting backstop known for defense and power, tied the Cape Cod League lead with 11 homers in 2024 and later slugged .616 with 15 homers over 190 at-bats for the Razorbacks.
Fayetteville's coaching staff and Arkansas program saw the pick as a historic first-round catcher selection for the school, a development Matt Hobbs noted this week when discussing Helfrick's potential. Day 1 of the draft occurred Saturday, July 11, 2026, and MLB's published schedule shows Day 2 continuing Sunday, July 12, for rounds five through twenty.
More context
Timeline
- 1. 2023: Helfrick ranked among top prep catchers and enrolled at Arkansas.
- 2. 2024: Tied Cape Cod League lead with 11 home runs during summer league play.
- 3. 2025: Slugged .616 with 15 home runs over 190 at-bats for Arkansas.
- 4. 2025 postseason: Named Fayetteville Regional MVP and earned ABCA/Rawlings South All-Region honors.
- 5. 11th July 2026: The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Ryder Helfrick with the No. 15 overall pick.
Why it matters
Helfrick's selection is a big deal for Arkansas. It's the first time an Arkansas catcher has been picked in the first round. This could inspire more local talent to pursue baseball careers. Check out your local Little League and encourage your kids to play.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
