NKU RHP Kaden Echeman commits to Kentucky, will go through MLB draft process

Echeman, a native of Vandalia, Ohio, is ninth nationally in K% among all qualified college baseball pitchers.

Photo credit to Emma Jones, Director of Creative Media at Northern Kentucky University.

Northern Kentucky University righthanded pitcher transfer Kaden Echeman is committed to Kentucky for the 2026 season if he returns to college, he confirmed to Bat Cats Central on Sunday. Echeman, who entered the portal as a graduate transfer, committed to Kentucky’s staff a day after the Wildcats defeated the Norse 6-1 at Kentucky Proud Park on May 13.

Echeman was one of the most effective pitchers in the country in 2025 in terms of strikeouts. According to Fangraphs, Echeman’s K% is 35.7%, placing him ninth in the nation among qualified pitchers. His K-BB% is 26.2%, also in the top 15 nationally.

“(The coaching staff) sold me on everything that UK has to offer,” Echeman said of his commitment. “I know what a lot of SEC teams, ACC teams have to offer, but just the nutrition aspect. Having a nutritionist that can help me maintain my strength and the wear and tear on my body throughout the season. And with the biomechanics part of pitching, the different types of cameras and Trackman that they have helping me clean up everything. A quote that they said that I really liked was ‘I’m not a diamond in the rough, I’m a diamond that needs polished.’ I really liked them saying that. Them telling me that I’m just that extra step away from truly being at my best and that they’re going to find every way to help me be there.”