Kentucky returned to the transfer portal, adding a commitment from an experienced player from the Big Ten. Ohio State infielder Lee Ellis confirmed to Bat Cats Central that he committed to the Wildcats on Thursday.
Ellis began his career at South Carolina in 2024 before transferring to Ohio State following his freshman season. He appeared in 13 games with the Gamecocks in 2024, slashing .273/.467/.364 with two doubles over 30 plate appearances.
Ellis played in 86 games over two seasons with the Buckeyes. The Maryland native, who is a right-handed hitter, slashed .296/.408/.514 with six doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 34 RBIs and seven stolen bases as a sophomore. In 2026, Ellis' numbers dipped a bit across the board, though he did collect more extra base hits and stole 10 more bases. He slashed .254/.376/.491 with 12 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 32 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. He was hit by 16 pitches, double the HBP from the previous season.
Most importantly, Kentucky needed more depth in the middle infield after 2026 signees Jimmy Anderson and Robert Omidi were selected in the MLB draft. Ellis mostly played second base for the Buckeyes this past season but also has experience at shortstop. He's been playing with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod League this summer. According to Baseball Reference, Ellis has started at shortstop and second base four times each, and has also made two starts at third base. According to his Cape Cod League profile, Ellis is hitting .290 with two doubles, a triple and five RBIs. Defensively, he's made one error in 37 chances.
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Ellis was a well-regarded high school recruit in the 2023 class. He was invited to the MLB Draft Combine that year. Here's an excerpt from Baseball America on his scouting report coming out of high school:
Ellis is a high-level athlete with quick-twitch actions and bursting speed. He’s turned in double-plus run times and flashed excellent defensive actions in the middle infield, with big arm strength to go with it. He has the ability to make acrobatic, highlight-reel plays in the infield, though his arm accuracy needs to become more consistent. Ellis’ offensive profile will be the biggest question with the 5-foot-11, 163-pound speedster. He has a slight arm bar in the swing and has limited power currently, with a contact-oriented swing that tends to get loopy and under the ball at times. He’s had swing-and-miss questions in the past, though he did show a solid understanding of the strike zone at the MLB Draft Combine, where he drew a handful of walks.
With Ellis committed, Kentucky now has two middle infielders in its transfer portal class. Owen Lee, who was primarily a shortstop at Tennessee Tech, committed in June. Wright State transfer JP Peltier could also factor into the infield this fall, though he's been an outfielder for most of his collegiate career. He's made 15 starts at third base in the Cape Cod League this summer, however.
In addition, Kentucky returns Ethan Hindle and Caeden Cloud. Cloud made 29 starts at third base. Hindle started 36 games at second base, with most of his other starts coming at DH or third base. Hudson Brown returns as the starting first baseman.
Incoming transfer portal commitments (11)
- OF Brody Chrisman (Akron)
- UTIL JP Peltier (Wright State)
- LHP Kale Hammer (Seattle University)
- RHP Logan Hastings (Maryland)
- RHP PJ Craig (Rider)
- INF Owen Lee (Tennessee Tech)
- RHP Mason Snyder (Western Carolina)
- CF Alex Kelsey (Saint Joseph's)
- C/DH Brayden Ricketts (Indiana)
- C Riley Jackson (Houston)
- INF Lee Ellis (Ohio State)
*LHP transfer Cooper Corkrean of New Mexico was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 18th round and is expected to sign.
