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Blue Jays select Carson Cormier 492nd overall in 2026 MLB Draft

Photo credit: © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

By Michael Coyle

Jul 12, 2026, 18:00 EDTUpdated: Jul 12, 2026, 18:12 EDT

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The Toronto Blue Jays continue selecting college pitchers.

With their 16th-round selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Blue Jays selected their fifth straight pitcher. The Blue Jays took right-hander Carson Cormier from Illinois State University at 492nd overall.

Through 16 games (10 starts) with the Redbirds, Cormier went 4-2 with a 4.17 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. The 22-year-old struck out 74 batters over his 69 innings and showcased great control, allowing only 12 walks over that span.

After the Redbirds made the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Tournament, Cormier was tasked with starting the opening game against No. 3-ranked Murray State University. Cormier turned in a pitching line of 6.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, and picked up a no-decision during the Redbirds’ 6-4 loss.

Carson’s first season in the NCAA came at Texas Christian University, where the righty appeared in only four games before transferring to Illinois State. In two NCAA seasons, Carson went 5-2 with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. Over his 75 innings, Carson picked up 83 strikeouts and allowed only 14 walks, so this is a pitcher who has shown an advanced ability to control the zone.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, Cormier touched 94 MPH this season and has the chance to move through the Blue Jays’ minor league system if he continues on a strong development path.