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2024 Kentucky Baseball Offseason Review

IMG_8756by:Daniel Hager•01/11/24•

DanielHagerKSR

Year eight of the Nick Mingione Era is bringing lofty expectations for the Kentucky Baseball program.

2023 marked Mingione’s most successful season yet at Kentucky, as the Bat ‘Cats finished with a 40-21 record and an emotional Lexington Regional victory that many fans will remember forever.

Kentucky made a trip to a Super Regional for the first time since 2017, where they were ousted by eventual National Champion LSU.

Beloved players such as Devin Burkes and Mason Moore emerged as Kentucky Baseball legends due to their stellar postseason play which pushed the ‘Cats over Indiana, Ball State, and West Virginia in Lexington.

Mingione’s 2024 squad will return some familiar faces, while also losing some key members of the 2023 team. Minge and his staff have brought in yet another stellar transfer class however, headlined by Texas INF Mitchell Daly, Cincinnati 1B Ryan Nicholson, and Central Connecticut State LHP Dominic Niman to fill the holes left by fan-favorites 1B Hunter Gilliam, OF Jackson Gray, RHP Zack Lee, and RHP Darren Williams.

Excitement around the program has seemingly never been higher, so let’s take a look at Kentucky Baseball’s offseason. The 2024 season begins in mid-February.

Returning Players

  • INF/RHP Carson Applegate (Redshirt Freshman): Did not play in 2023. Played with Duluth of the Northwoods League last summer. Had four multi-hit games, including a three-hit day on July 2.
  • C Devin Burkes (Redshirt Junior): Burkes, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Lexington Regional, returns to Kentucky for what seemingly will be his final season of college baseball. Started all 61 games for the ‘Cats in 2023, batting .291 with 65 hits, nine home runs, 53 RBI, and .502 SLG%. Burkes was on fire over the final stretch of the season, notching a hit in 15 of Kentucky’s final 17 games of the season. Was named Co-National Player of the Week on Feb. 27, 2023, by Collegiate Baseball.
  • LHP Evan Byers (Redshirt Junior): Byers made 24 appearances out of the bullpen in 2023, posting a 1.65 ERA over 16.1 IP. Byers’ 24 appearances last season were the second-most on the team behind Ryder Giles’ 25. Finished the season with more strikeouts (14) than hits allowed (12).
  • INF Reuben Church (Senior): Batted .286 in 91 at-bats last season. Belted three home runs and knocked in 20 RBI. Took over the starting DH role mid-season.
  • C/INF Austin Fawley (Redshirt Freshman): Redshirted in 2023. Played with Green Bay of the Northwoods League last summer, knocking eight extra-base hits and 11 RBI.
  • RHP Colby Frieda (Junior): Frieda appeared in nine games last season, boasting a 2.57 ERA over 7.0 IP. Frieda struck out more batters (nine) than allowed hits (five). Did not allow a run in seven of his nine outings.
  • RHP Ryan Hagenow (Senior): Hagenow, who was named a Midseason All-American by Perfect Game in 2023, returns as one of the veteran leaders in the bullpen. Hagenow pitched 25.1 innings last season, notching a 3-1 record with a 3.91 ERA and a 34:9 K/BB ratio. His best game of the season came on March 18, 2023, where he struck out five batters and allowed just one hit over 4.1 IP against Mississippi State.
  • INF Patrick Herrera (Junior): Played in just 12 games last season, totaling three hits in eight at-bats. Transferred from Northwestern prior to the 2023 season, where he was named Second Team All-Big Ten.
  • RHP Zach Hise (Junior): Hise started one game on the mound for Kentucky in 2023, giving up 11 runs to No. 1 LSU in Baton Rouge. In games out of the bullpen however, Hise allowed just four runs over 11 innings pitched. Transferred from Missouri prior to the 2023 season.
  • RHP Christian Howe (Redshirt Sophomore): Made seven appearances out of the bullpen for the ‘Cats in 2023. Pitched eight innings, posting a 5.63 ERA and a 1-0 record.
  • RHP Drew Lafferty (Redshirt Freshman): Redshirted in 2023.
  • OF Nolan McCarthy (Redshirt Junior): McCarthy returns for his third season at Kentucky fresh off of an All-Regional Team nod in 2023. The redshirt junior started in right field and hit .290 over 138 at-bats last season. The Kalamazoo, MI native hit four home runs on the season, three of which came in postseason play. McCarthy notched 12 hits in his final 19 at-bats of the season — two doubles, a triple, two home runs, seven runs, and eight RBI.
  • INF/OF James McCoy (Redshirt Sophomore): After an underwhelming start to the 2023 season, McCoy really got it going down the stretch. McCoy’s best series of the year came against South Carolina, where he homered in all three games of the season as the ‘Cats swept the then No. 3 ranked Gamecocks at home. The “Swiss army knife” hit .228 in 127 at-bats last season, accruing five home runs and 23 RBI.
  • RHP Mason Moore (Junior): Thanks to an unbelievable Lexington Regional run in 2023, Moore returns as one of the most heralded players on the roster. In 10.0 IP against Ball State and Indiana, Moore allowed just four hits and no earned runs while striking out seven batters en route to a victory in both games. Moore was called upon to pitch 55 innings out of the bullpen in 2023, boasting a stellar 1.80 ERA with a 4-1 record and a 54:30 K/BB ratio. He looks to transition to a starting role in 2024.
  • LHP Jackson Nove (Junior): Nove and his stellar mustache are back for another season in the 859. Nove pitched 22.1 innings out of the bullpen in 2023, totaling an unblemished 3-0 record with a 4.43 ERA.
  • 2B Émilien Pitre (Junior): The Quebec native is Kentucky’s best returning offensive player, batting .318 over 223 at-bats in 2023 (highest BA by a returning player). For his stellar play last season, Pitre was named All-SEC Second Team and was selected to the SEC All-Defensive Team. Pitre was third on the team in hits (71) and RBI (51) and second in doubles (16). After totaling just four at-bats in the 2022 season, Petey burst onto the scene in 2023 and looks to continue his trajectory upwards in 2024.
  • OF Lukas Schramm (Redshirt Freshman): Redshirted in 2023. Played with Green Bay of the Northwoods League before a broken hamate bone ended his summer.
  • SS Grant Smith (Senior): Grant Smith returns to Kentucky for his final year of college baseball as one of the best defensive players in the entire sport. Smith was a finalist for the Gold Glove Award at the SS position last season before ultimately losing out to Alabama’s Jim Jarvis. Smith isn’t just a defensive specialist, as he batted .281 in 192 at-bats last season. He also belted eight home runs while driving in 30 RBI. He’ll surely find himself on the Brooks Wallace Shortstop of the Year Watch List once again.
  • LHP Hayden Smith (Redshirt Freshman): Redshirted in 2023. Threw 19 innings for the Charlottesville TomSox of the Valley League last summer, boasting a 3.79 ERA with 20 strikeouts.
  • RHP Travis Smith (Redshirt Sophomore): Nearly three years after Tommy John surgery, Travis Smith looks to make the leap to being Kentucky’s ace this season. In 13 starts last season, Travis posted a 4.84 ERA with a 4-3 W-L record. His best stretch of the season came against Xavier, Louisville, and No. 3 South Carolina (April 18-May 5, 2023), where he totaled 15.0 IP, three earned runs, and 14 strikeouts against three high-quality opponents. It will be interesting to see how Smith embraces being the series opening starter in 2024.
  • OF Ryan Waldschmidt (Junior): Waldy hit for .290 with five home runs and 37 RBI in his first season in Lexington, earning himself All-Regional honors for his stellar three-RBI outing against Indiana in a win-or-go-home game. The left fielder however tore his ACL playing in the Cape Cod league last summer, putting his status up in the air as the 2024 season approaches. KSR’s Derek Terry estimates that Waldschmidt will be back sometime during SEC play, which begins March 15 against Georgia.

Departures

  • LHP Tyler Bosma: Started 13 games in 2023, putting up a 5.61 ERA and a 4-4 W-L record.
  • LHP Aaron Blum: Redshirted in 2023, no longer on team.
  • INF Isaiah Byars: Opened season as Kentucky’s starting 3B but totaled just 27 at-bats in 2023 due to injury.
  • RHP Seth Chavez: Pitched 10.1 innings out of the bullpen in 2023, boasting a 4.35 ERA with a 15:5 K/BB ratio. Signed with the Tampa Bay Rays as a UDFA.
  • LHP Magdiel Cotto: Made 16 appearances for the ‘Cats out of the bullpen, totaling 18.0 IP. ERA of 6.00 with a 26:9 K/BB ratio. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft.
  • OF Kendal Ewell: Exciting transfer from Eastern Kentucky who never got in a groove of things at Kentucky. Batted just .189 in 37 at-bats in 2023. Transferred to UIC.
  • 3B Jase Felker: Assumed the starting 3B role due to Byars’ injury. Batted .292 with 29 RBI and 53 runs scored in 192 at-bats. Made 12 errors in the field at the hot corner.
  • LHP Reed Gannon: Made just one appearance for the ‘Cats in 2023, walking two batters and giving up an earned run. Transferred to Illinois.
  • RHP Ryder Giles: Giles’ reliever entrance to WAR’s “Low Rider” was always a highlight of a game at Kentucky Proud Park. In 26 appearances, Giles pitched 18.1 innings with a 3.93 ERA.
  • 1B Hunter Gilliam: The heart and soul of the 2023 Kentucky team, Gilliam slashed a .324 BA while leading the ‘Cats in home runs (12), RBI (71), TB (124), and SLG% (.551). Was named to the All-SEC Defensive Team.
  • OF Jackson Gray: A transfer from Western Kentucky, Gray made a big impact in his only season in Lexington. Along with being one of the best defensive outfielders in all of college baseball, Gray led the ‘Cats with a .338 BA. He slugged six home runs (one of which was a grand slam against his former team) and drove in 33 RBI. He was named to the ABCA/Rawlings Midwest All-Region Second Team following the season.
  • OF Tanner Kim: Did not appear in a game last season, no longer on team.
  • RHP Zack Lee: Kentucky’s ace last season, Lee pitched 67.1 innings and posted a 3.74 ERA with a 5-3 W-L record. He was named Co-National Player of the Week (5/8/23) for his 6.2 IP, 12 K performance against No. 3 South Carolina. Signed with the Detroit Tigers as a UDFA.
  • RHP Seth Logue: Pitched in 15.0 innings out of the bullpen in 2023, logging a 6.00 ERA. Transferred to Cincinnati.
  • RHP Logan Martin: Transferred from Sewanee prior to the 2023 season where he’d start eight games for the ‘Cats last season. Boasted a 4.44 ERA over 26.1 IP with a 30:17 K/BB ratio. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 2023 MLB Draft.
  • C Chase Stanke: Garnered just 67 at-bats as Devin Burkes’ backup in 2023. Batted .179 with 11 RBI.
  • RHP Austin Strickland: Entered out of the bullpen for his first 17 appearances before starting his last three of the season. Had a stellar first two starts, totaling 12.2 innings, three earned runs, and 13 strikeouts against No. 4 Florida and West Virginia. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft.
  • RHP Darren Williams: After seven years, Darren Williams’ college baseball career is over. Dub pitched 63.1 innings for the ‘Cats in 2023, boasting a 4.26 ERA, a 4-2 record, and a 61:24 K/BB ratio. Darren allowed just one hit while striking out 14 batters over his first 11.0 IP of the season.

Transfers:

  • OF Ty Crittenberger (Graduate Student): Crittenberger continues the WKU outfield pipeline to Kentucky for his final season of college baseball. Crittenberger played in 143 games at Western (127 starts), batting .289 in 477 at-bats. Ty appears to be stellar in the outfield just as his former teammate Jackson Gray was, as he made just three errors over three seasons.
  • INF Mitchell Daly (Senior): Daly, who began his college career at Texas, was named to the All-Big 12 first team and All-Freshman team during his first year in Austin. The Madison, AL native played in 189 games as a Longhorn, bringing a career .262 BA with 52 XBH and 90 RBI with him to Lexington.
  • OF Ben Higdon (Junior): Higdon, who is a native of Paducah, KY, transfers back to Kentucky to play for his home state team in 2024. After one year at Memphis, Higdon transferred to John. A Logan College, where he was named First Team JUCO Division I and Great Rivers Athletic Conference Player of the Year. He was ranked the No. 2 JUCO transfer by Perfect Game.
  • RHP Robert Hogan (Junior): A righty who spent his first two seasons at Texas A&M, Hogan posted a 7.86 ERA in 33 career games in College Station.
  • RHP Johnny Hummel (Graduate Student): Hummel transfers in from Erskine College, where he was named First Team NCBWA All-Southeast Region and First Team All-Carolinas Conference in 2023. In 90.0 IP over four seasons for the Flying Fleet, Hummel had a 2.00 ERA with 148 strikeouts.
  • INF Nick Lopez (Graduate Student): Upon arrival, Lopez immediately rivals Jackson Nove for the best mustache on campus. Lopez played in 109 career games for the USC Trojans (97 starts), posting a .273 BA with 13 home runs and 60 RBI. Kentucky will mark his fourth and final college team (Illinois-Chicago, Santa Ana C.C., USC).
  • 1B Ryan Nicholson (Graduate Student): With Samford Gold Glove transfer 1B Stephen Klein failing to be cleared by the NCAA, Ryan Nicholson will take over first base duties from Hunter Gilliam. In four seasons at Cincinnati, Nicholson batted .291 with 33 home runs and 115 RBI over 166 career games. He was ranked the No. 94 Impact Transfer by D1Baseball.
  • LHP Dominic Niman (Graduate Student): Niman, alongside Nicholson, looks to be one of the most impactful transfers in the SEC. He racked up many honors at Central Connecticut State, including 2023 ABCA/Rawlings Third Team All-America, First Team NCBWA All-Northeast Region, Second Team All-America (Collegiate Baseball), and 2023 ECAC Pitcher of the Year. Niman dominated in 2023, starting 15 games (12-2 record) with a 2.77 ERA over 104.0 innings pitched. He’ll likely be the Saturday starter for the ‘Cats this season. Niman was ranked the No. 76 Impact Transfer by D1Baseball
  • RHP Cameron O’Brien (Graduate Student): O’Brien itched in 38 games over the course of his three seasons at Campbell University. Had a 5.48 ERA in 67.1 innings with a 5-3 record.
  • RHP Trey Pooser (Graduate Student): Pooser transfers to Kentucky fresh off of a 2023 CAA All-Tournament Team nod at College of Charleston. In four seasons at CC, Pooser appeared in 50 games (36 starts) and accrued a 3.93 ERA over 220 innings pitched. He should be a quality arm out of the bullpen.
  • RHP Jacob Price (Sophomore): A Louisville native, Price racked up a 5.49 ERA in 17 innings pitched over his freshman season at Heartland C.C. Price went to high school at Christian Academy-Louisville.
  • RHP Cooper Robinson (Junior): Robinson transfers to Kentucky all the way from UC-Irvine, where he spent his first two college seasons. Robinson appeared in 30 games for the Anteaters, totaling a 6.75 ERA with a 47:13 K/BB ratio.

Kentucky opens its season Feb. 16 on the road at South Carolina-Upstate.

The Bat ‘Cats home opener is scheduled for Feb. 20 against Morehead State.

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2024-09-20