From Douglas to the MLB Draft: Former Cochise Ace Mathis Nayral Selected by Toronto Blue Jays

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — Former Cochise College right-handed pitcher Mathis Nayral has taken another major step in his baseball journey, hearing his name called during the 2026 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. On July 12, 2026, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Nayral in the 13th round with the 402nd overall pick, making him just the third French-born player ever selected in the MLB Draft.

The selection caps an impressive rise for the native of Montpellier, France, who spent two seasons developing at Cochise College before transferring to the Kansas University for the 2026 season.

From France to Cochise College

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing approximately 210 pounds, Nayral arrived in Douglas after developing through France's baseball system. He attended Lycée Bellevue and trained at the French National Academy before attending an international showcase in Arizona, where he caught the attention of Cochise College coaches.

His first season with the Apaches during the 2023-24 season showed flashes of his potential. As a freshman, Nayral made eight starts, posting a 4-3 record with a 5.20 ERA, while striking out 32 batters over 36.1 innings. He also threw two complete games, demonstrating the durability that would become a trademark of his collegiate career.

Breakout Sophomore Season

Nayral emerged as one of the premier pitchers in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference during the 2024-25 season.

He finished the year with:

• 8-3 record
• 2.70 ERA
• 80.0 innings pitched
• 84 strikeouts
• 34 walks
• 14 starts in 16 appearances
• 2 complete games
• 2 shutouts

He led Cochise College in:

• ERA (2.70)
• Starts (14)
• Shutouts (2)

His dominant sophomore campaign earned him:

• All-ACCAC First Team
• NJCAA All-Region I Second Team honors.

Cochise Career Statistics

Over two seasons with the Apaches, Nayral compiled an outstanding collegiate résumé:

His nearly one strikeout per inning, combined with his ability to consistently work deep into games, established him as one of the top junior college pitchers in the West.

Successful Jump to Division I

Following his standout career at Cochise, Nayral transferred to Kansas University, where he immediately became a weekend starter for one of the nation's most successful programs.

In 2026, he posted:

• 4-3 record
• 4.96 ERA
• 69.0 innings pitched
• 71 strikeouts
• 28 walks
• 18 appearances
• 17 starts

His 17 starts ranked among the highest single-season totals in Kansas baseball history and tied for third-most in the Big 12 Conference.

Signature Performances

Nayral delivered several memorable outings during his lone season in Lawrence.

In his Division I debut against UTRGV, he threw seven innings, allowing only two hits, one run, no walks, and striking out four hitters while facing only two batters over the minimum.

Perhaps his best performance came on March 28 at Cincinnati, where he:

• Pitched 7.0 innings
• Allowed only 3 hits
• Gave up 1 run
• Walked 1
• Struck out a career-high 11 batters
• Retired the final 14 hitters he faced

That performance earned him Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors.

He also started the Big 12 Tournament Championship Game, throwing 4.1 scoreless innings to help Kansas capture the conference tournament title.

National Recognition

Before the season concluded, Nayral had established himself as one of the nation's top professional prospects.

Among his honors were:

• Named to the College Baseball Foundation National Pitcher of the Year Watch List
• Ranked as the No. 43 MLB Draft prospect in the Big 12 by D1Baseball
• Helped Kansas win the Big 12 regular-season championship
• Helped Kansas win the Big 12 Tournament championship
• Helped Kansas win the NCAA Lawrence Regional
• Part of a Kansas team that finished 45-18, tying the school record for victories in a season.

A Proud Cochise Legacy

Mathis Nayral's journey is one that reflects the impact of Cochise College baseball on the national stage.

After arriving from France with tremendous potential, he developed into an All-Conference junior college standout, successfully transitioned to Division I baseball, helped Kansas enjoy one of the greatest seasons in school history, and ultimately achieved every young player's dream by becoming a Major League Baseball draft pick.

From the baseball fields of Montpellier, France, to Douglas, Arizona, and eventually the professional ranks with the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Nayral's story serves as another example of the opportunities available through Cochise College baseball and the dedication required to reach baseball's highest levels.