The Oregon Ducks are adding another former player to their growing list of MLB players. Former Ducks outfielder Rikuu Nishida is headed to the big leagues to make his MLB debut in the midst of his fourth professional season.

The news was first reported by Ian Eskridge of Future Sox, part of the Just Baseball Network. Nishida will join the Chicago White Sox on Monday and could make his debut on the south side of the windy city against the Minnesota Twins.

Nishida was drafted in the 11th round in the 2023 MLB Draft. The speedy corner outfielder from Japan spent just one season with the Ducks. In 2023, he hit for a .312 average with 16 doubles, five home runs and 37 RBI. Nishida drew more walks (27) than strikeouts (26) as the Ducks went on a run to host a Super Regional.

Sources are telling @FutureSox and @JustBB_Media UTL Rikuu Nishida is expected to join the White Sox in Chicago tomorrow for his debut. The 11th Rd. selection out of Oregon is carrying a .454 OBP and .849 OPS in AAA Charlotte.

— Ian Eskridge (@dailywhitesox) May 24, 2026

Often the leadoff man for the Ducks, Nishida was famous for using a wood bat and his knack for putting the ball in play to create chaos in the field. He stole 25 bases, setting a program record for a single season, and earned MVP honors for the Nashville Regional, which the Ducks won. Nishida also earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors.

Since leaving Eugene, Nishida has continued to hit for average and use his speed to his advantage in the minor leagues. In over 1,100 at-bats in the minors, Nishida has hit just two home runs. However, he has hit for a .290 batting average in his career, including a .323 average this season with games in both Double-A and Triple-A.

While he still makes appearances in the outfield, the White Sox have developed Nishida as a second baseman, where he played 15 games for the Ducks. Standing at just 5-foot-6, Nishida could thrive at second base or in a utility role in the big leagues for a long time.

Nishida will become the sixth active former Oregon player in the big leagues, and more could be on the way soon.

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Ex-Oregon OF Rikuu Nishida to be called up for MLB debut with White Sox