Former Kentucky RHP Travis Smith transfers to Mississippi State

Former Kentucky RHP Travis Smith is staying in the SEC. He announced on Saturday that he is transferring to Mississippi State.

“I wanted to get a new start and fresh scene to go to and there is no better fresh start than Mississippi State,” Smith told On3’s Maroon and White.

Excited and grateful to have the opportunity to continue my baseball career at Mississippi State! Thank you to the staff for giving me this opportunity! Go Dawgs! @lemo22 @HailStateBB @JusinDParker24 pic.twitter.com/gM3duPrVMs

— Travis Smith (@Traviss1109) July 6, 2024

Smith, who started 13 games for Kentucky in 2023, opened the 2024 season as the Friday night starter. Through his first five starts however, the right-hander boasted a 6.69 ERA in 24 2/3 innings and was replaced by right-hander Trey Pooser in the rotation.

He made seven appearances out of the pen and started Kentucky’s SEC Tournament game against LSU, where he pitched to a 5.54 ERA in 13 innings. He also pitched a scoreless inning against Florida in the Men’s College World Series.

In two seasons at Kentucky, the Walton, KY native made 26 appearances with 19 starts. He boasted a 5.44 ERA in 86 innings with 76 strikeouts and 48 walks.

Smith, who is the No. 331 overall prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft according to Future Stars Series, could ultimately turn pro if he is drafted. The right-hander was the 20th best available player in the Transfer Portal according to 64Analytics.com.

He has two years of college eligibility remaining.

 Stay tuned to KSR’s 2025 Kentucky Baseball Roster Tracker for all updates on the offseason and next season’s squad.