Kentucky baseball fans now have a better idea of the Wildcats' 2027 roster now that the MLB draft has passed. All in all, it was a good draft for Kentucky.
Four players from the 2026 roster were drafted. Star shortstop Tyler Bell going No. 10 to the Colorado Rockies – the second-highest pick in Kentucky baseball history – was the headliner, but righthander Jaxon Jelkin landed in the top five rounds as well. The Omaha native was the final selection of the first day, going to the Philadelphia Phillies with the No. 135 pick. Righthanders Connor Mattison (16th round, Minnesota Twins) and Nile Adcock (20th round, Atlanta Braves) were also selected.
Kentucky received great news early on Sunday when center fielder Jayce Tharnish announced his return. Junior infielder Ethan Hindle is also returning, meaning Kentucky has several members of its 2026 lineup returning for another season.
It was mostly good news on the recruiting front, too. Of the 12 commitments in the 2026 class, only junior college shortstop Jimmy Anderson (fifth round, Baltimore Orioles) and Canadian infielder Robert Omidi (eighth round, Detroit Tigers) were selected in the top 10 rounds and are expected to sign. In the portal class, New Mexico lefthanded pitcher commit Cooper Corkrean was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 18th round. While players drafted outside of the top 10 rounds are less of a sure thing to sign, it seems likely that Corkrean will take an offer from the Royals. This could end up being the loss that stings the most as quality lefties are hard to find in the portal.
However, prep righthander Grayson Willoughby, the top prospect in the Wildcats' class, made it through the draft and gives Kentucky pitching coach Dan Roszel a high-end freshman arm to develop next season. Two-sport signee Matt Ponatoski was selected by his hometown Cincinnati Reds in the 18th round, but it's likely just a courtesy pick. All players selected have until July 27 at 5 p.m. ET to sign.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is a proud supporter! Located in Beaumont Centre in Lexington, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii prides itself as a leader in sharing a wide variety of Hawaiian coffees. Whether you are in the mood for black coffee, a handcrafted latte, matcha, mana energy drink, or a variety of food items Bad Ass Coffee has just the thing for you! Once you get hooked on the coffee they have plenty of at home coffee available for purchase in store! So start your season off like a Bad Ass and visit them today! PLUS, they are offering our readers 20% off their orders! Just show this email, or if ordering online, apply coupon code "UKBaseball" at checkout and have a Bad Ass Day!
Bat Cats Central will take a more in-depth look at the roster once all the dust officially settles, but for now, here's where the roster stands. Of the drafted players, I anticipate everyone but Ponatoski will sign. He's included on the roster projection while the others are not. The number in parentheses represents how many years of eligibility remain.
Righthanded pitchers
- PJ Craig (1)
- Ryan Mullan (1)
- Mason Snyder (2)
- Chase Alderman (2)
- Will Pryor (2)
- Logan Hastings (3)
- Cameron Owens (3 – Owens has been a pitcher at UK but could be moving to a position player this fall)
- Burkley Bounds (3)
- Nate Harris (3)
- Jack Sams (4)
- Matt Ponatoski (5)
- Logan Sorrel (5)
- Aiden Smith (5)
- Sammy Swank (5)
- Grayson Willoughby (5)
Lefthanded pitchers
- Ben Cleaver (2)
- Kale Hammer (2)
- Leighton Harris (3)
- Will Coleman (4)
- Joey Ansell (5)
- Cole McLean (5)
Catchers
- Riley Jackson (1)
- Brayden Ricketts (3)
- Carson May (5)
Infielders
- 1B Hudson Brown (2)
- INF Ethan Hindle (2)
- INF Owen Lee (2)
- INF/UTIL JP Peltier (2)
- 3B/SS Caeden Cloud (4)
- 1B Kaden Powell (5)
Outfielders
- Jayce Tharnish (1)
- Brody Chrisman (2)
- Alex Kelsey (3)
- Braxton Van Cleave (4)
- Ryan Foscolo (4)
- Rob Czarniecki (5)
