When Kentucky returned to the postseason in 2023 after a four-year hiatus, it did so behind an offensive core that featured a mix of transfers and players who had been in the program for at least one season already. Of the seven players who made at least 50 starts that season, four were transfers from other Division I programs and three were players who were on the 2022 roster.
The Wildcats' 2024 College World Series team was heavier on internal development, but also had a great group of transfers. Nine players started at least 45 games: six were on the 2023 team and three transferred in for the 2024 season.
Notably, none of the main players on either team were freshmen. The 2023 team didn't have a single freshman position player make a start, and the 2024 team combined for 18 starts overall.
The reliance on freshmen has changed over the past two years. Shortstop Tyler Bell's 56 appearances in 2025 tied him for fifth all-time in the UK freshman record books, and outfielder Ryan Schwartz was a late-season development that helped the Wildcats reach a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. He played in 23 games and made 18 starts.
But for a second straight year, freshmen are making a difference down the stretch of Kentucky's season.
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