On Tuesday, the third and final day of the 2024 MLB Draft, three players of Kentucky’s 2024 College World Series team were selected, as well as two incoming transfer portal commits.
The Chicago White Sox selected Mason Moore, a right-handed pitcher from Morehead, in the 15th round (439th overall).
Moore was named to the All-Lexington Regional Team in 2023 while pitching for the UK Bullpen. He threw 10.0 innings of scoreless relief and finished the 2023 tournament with 14.0 shutout innings.
Moore concluded the 2023 season with a 1.80 ERA over 55.0 innings pitched.
Moore joined Kentucky’s starting rotation this season, pitching on Sundays throughout the regular season.
Moore finished the season 9-4 with a 5.05 ERA in 92.2 innings of work.
He continued to excel in the NCAA Tournament, pitching 6.0 scoreless innings in UK’s regional-clinching win over Indiana State to earn All-Lexington Regional team accolades for the second consecutive season. Moore pitched 3.1 innings of two-run ball in UK’s Super Regional victory over Oregon State, then threw four scoreless innings in the College World Series against Texas A&M until allowing four runs in the fifth inning of UK’s 5-1 loss to the Aggies.
MLB Draft Updates and Player Options for Kentucky Wildcats
Moore’s Decision
– Moore has the option to either return to Kentucky for his senior season or sign with the Chicago White Sox.
Travis Smith
– Right-handed pitcher Travis Smith, from Walton, was drafted in the 15th round (455th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers.
– Smith began Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament opener in 2023, pitching 4.0 scoreless innings against Ball State.
– He started the 2024 season as UK’s Friday night starter before transitioning to the bullpen, ending with a 3-3 record and a 6.21 ERA over 13 appearances and six starts.
– After Kentucky’s elimination from the College World Series, Smith entered the transfer portal and committed to Mississippi State. He can either sign with the Brewers or play for the Bulldogs, with two years of eligibility remaining.
Dominic Niman
– Left-handed pitcher Dominic Niman was selected in the 18th round (546th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays.
– Niman joined Kentucky for the 2024 season after four years at Central Connecticut State and served as the team’s Saturday starter.
– He was UK’s most reliable starter early in the season, including a complete-game shutout against Alabama and a strong performance against Auburn. However, he struggled in the latter part of the season, finishing with an 8-5 record and a 6.85 ERA.
– Out of eligibility, Niman is likely to sign with the Rays.
Kentucky Wildcats in the 2024 MLB Draft
– Kentucky had seven players selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, the highest number since 13 Wildcats were picked in the 2018 MLB Draft.
– Other UK draftees include second baseman Emilien Pitre and right-handed pitcher Trey Pooser, both taken by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Transfer Portal Commits Drafted
– Cal-State Bakersfield right-handed pitcher Ryan Verdugo was drafted in the 12th round by the Houston Astros.
– Texas A&M-Corpus Christi right-handed pitcher Matthew Watson was selected in the 13th round by the San Diego Padres.
– Outfield Canisius transfer commit Jackson Strong was taken in the 7th round by the Detroit Tigers.
– Infielder Transylvania transfer commit Trent Youngblood was taken in the 10th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
– High school signee shortstop Tyler Bell was selected 66th overall by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Kentucky’s 2025 Roster
– Head coach Nick Mingione and his staff will be awaiting the decisions of Moore, as well as the portal and high school draft picks, to finalize the 2025 roster.
