With end-of-season interviews wrapped up and portal recruiting in full swing, now is a good time for a new Bat Cats Insider. Today's story looks at two draft decisions we'll be watching closely next month, a big-picture look at transfer portal needs, one recruit who was on campus this week and other miscellaneous notes.
Before diving in, Bat Cats Central reported on Tuesday evening that Wright State UTIL player JP Peltier committed to the Wildcats. Look for a full story with comments from Peltier later this week.
Kentucky has picked up a commitment from Wright State UTIL player JP Peltier, per source. He slashed .294/.391/.548 with 24 doubles and 10 homers this past season. 30 career homers at Wright State and 38 stolen bases the past two years.
— Derek Terry (@DerekSTerry) June 9, 2026
The skinny: Peltier can play multiple positions defensively, both in the infield and outfield, and he brings 30 career homers and 38 career doubles to Lexington. He also stole 38 bases over the past two seasons. Peltier is playing for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League this summer.
Visit the roster tracker page to get the latest updates on how the offseason is shaking out so far
Derek Terry
Two current players whose draft status will impact Kentucky baseball in 2026
One domino fell over the weekend when first baseman Hudson Brown announced his return for the 2027 season. Brown and upcoming sophomore Braxton Van Cleave should give Kentucky two reliable hitters in the middle of the order next season.
With Brown back, that left starting shortstop Tyler Bell, center fielder Jayce Tharnish and DH/INF Ethan Hindle as starters from the 2026 team with remaining college eligibility who are eligible for this year's draft. Bell has received a lot of top-10 buzz lately, but even if he drops into the teens, he's starting his professional baseball career next month.
As of now, sources anticipate that Tharnish will find his way into the top 10 rounds. Players selected in the top 10 rounds overwhelmingly sign, and that would be the expected outcome for Tharnish as well.
