Top MLB prospect Dax Whitney to undergo UCL surgery

While the Oregon State Beavers are in the middle of the 2026 college baseball season, it appears one of the program’s top players, who is also a top MLB prospect, is dealing with an elbow injury. Reports indicate that Dax Whitney will undergo surgery on his UCL.

The sophomore right-hander is the favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2027 MLB Draft, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN. Although that is still true, Whitney will have to miss the remainder of the campaign when he receives the surgery to repair damage to his UCL.

“Oregon State sophomore right-hander Dax Whitney, the favorite to be the first overall pick in the 2027 MLB draft, is expected to undergo ulnar collateral ligament surgery, a source told ESPN,” reported McDaniel. “Whitney left his start against Hawaii on April 24 in the seventh inning with trainers because of arm tightness. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister.”

The good news is that Whitney is expected to return well before the 2027 MLB Draft, per McDaniel. There is a good chance the Oregon State star could still be a top pick in next year’s draft.

“He is anticipated to return well ahead of the draft and has a strong chance to be the No. 1 overall pick, projecting as a frontline starter,” said McDaniel.

Dax Whitney has been one of the best pitchers in college baseball. He has a four-seam fastball that averages around 97.1 mph, that peaked at 101.0 mph. MLB scouts love his command and claim he is well above average with his sweeper, curveball, and changeup. In 11 games played this season, Whitney owns a 2.00 ERA and 0.952 WHIP along with 104 strikeouts.

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