Although fall practice ended at the end of October for the Kentucky baseball team, Bat Cats Central is revisiting some of the standouts from the six-week period.
Today's story looks at five players who improved their standing based on their play. It's not to say these were the five best players this fall – though a few could make a case – but the ones who likely either solidified starting roles based on their play or the ones who could see more opportunities because of what they showed during the fall.
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Jayce Tharnish, outfielder
The St. Bonaventure transfer was the final addition to the Wildcats' roster over the summer, so it's unlikely Kentucky's coaching staff would have taken him if it didn't expect Tharnish to be an immediate contributor. Still, Tharnish entered a crowded outfield when he arrived on campus. Ryan Schwartz and Carson Hansen were starting outfielders by the end of the season, and USC Upstate transfer Scott Campbell was also signed out of the portal, along with the return of veteran Will Marcy.
A center fielder during his Bonnies career, Tharnish had a breakout 2025 season that saw him finish with a .403/.461/.597 slash line with 11 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 29 RBI and 32 stolen bases.