Oregon State has added another building block for its 2027 baseball recruiting class. Battle Ground (Washington) standout Cooper McGowan announced his commitment to the Beavers on Saturday. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound McGowan is a right-handed pitcher who also brings infield versatility, with experience at shortstop, second base, and third base. He becomes the second pledge in the 2027 group, joining Woodinville (Washington) shortstop Eli Jones.
The commitment follows recent momentum in the 2026 cycle, where Oregon State added shortstop Kyson Barney. That 2026 class also features his identical twin, Kael, as well as outfielder Blake Bowen (Riverside, California), right-handed pitcher Grady Saunders (Springfield), catcher Teagan Scott (Salem), right-handed pitcher Julian Sabourin (Ontario, Canada), right-handed pitcher Everett Burdett (Albuquerque, New Mexico), outfielder Anthony Karis (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), right-handed pitcher Keegan Matson (Redmond, Washington), and third baseman Josh Nati (New South Wales, Australia).
What it means: McGowan’s two-way profile and ability to handle multiple infield spots give Oregon State flexibility as the 2027 class takes shape. Even if he eventually settles into a primary role, his background suggests arm strength and defensive adaptability that can help fill needs across the diamond. With McGowan and Jones, the 2027 group is off to a regionally rooted start in Washington, while the broader 2026 class shows a wide recruiting reach that spans the Pacific Northwest, the West, and even international talent.
Positive outlook: Early commitments like McGowan’s offer encouraging signs that future rosters are being built thoughtfully, balancing pitching depth with athleticism and defensive versatility.
Summary: Cooper McGowan, a 6-2 right-handed pitcher and multi-position infielder from Battle Ground, Washington, has committed to Oregon State, becoming the second member of the Beavers’ 2027 class alongside shortstop Eli Jones. The program’s 2026 class continues to expand with a mix of regional, national, and international recruits across multiple positions.