Kentucky adds Illinois State shortstop Luke Lawrence

Illinois State infielder Luke Lawrence will transfer to Kentucky, he told Bat Cats Central. Lawrence brings 85 career starts and a two-year slash line of .329/.389/.464 to Lexington.

“I’m pumped to be at Kentucky,” Lawrence said in an interview on Sunday evening. “I’m really excited for what the year brings. My biggest goals are definitely to go to a regional, super and then to Omaha. I want nothing more than that. That’s the goal, and I plan to work my ass off to get there. That’ll definitely be the biggest thing I’m looking for coming to Kentucky.”

As a redshirt sophomore in 2024, Lawrence hit .333/.396/.461 with 13 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 48 RBI in 56 starts. In 2023, Lawrence hit .319/.376/.471 with 10 doubles, one triple and two home runs with 22 RBI.