Three members of Kentucky's 2026 class will play in the Perfect Game All-American Classic, plus a rankings update from Perfect Game and news of a new commitment.
One of the top outfielders in the NCAA transfer portal has committed to Kentucky. Jackson Strong, an outfielder who spent three seasons at Canisius, pledged to the Wildcats’ coaching staff over the weekend.
Strong was a two-time All-MAAC First Team selection and finished third nationally this season with 42 stolen bases. He had a career slash line of .342/.458/.621 and an OPS of 1.089 with 125 hits, 20 doubles, seven triples, 24 home runs and 83 RBIs at Canisius.
A native of West Seneca, New York, Strong ranked in the top 10 of the MAAC statistically in batting average, slugging percentage, OPS and home runs. This year, he ranked in the top 10 of batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, OPS, runs scored, triples, home runs and walks. Strong easily led the conference with 42 bases. The next closest player was Gabe Wright of Quinnipiac with 29 steals. According to Baseball Reference, Strong has 57 career starts in right field, 28 starts in left field and 23 starts in center field.
Strong played in the Northwoods League following his freshman season and the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League following his sophomore season. Strong is playing with the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League this summer. He’s eligible to be drafted in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Kentucky now has seven commitments from the transfer portal this offseason:
Derek Terry is the founder of Bat Cats Central, a leading source for University of Kentucky baseball coverage. Before leaving full-time sportswriting, Derek worked for The Cats' Pause (2017-22) and Cats Illustrated (2015-17).
