Former Kentucky baseball star Ryan Waldschmidt was projected by most analysts to be a first round draft pick this season. As it turns out, he missed that distinction by one spot, and was picked 31st overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
This past season, Waldschmidt was one of the best Wildcats hitters on a team that made it to the College World Series. He hit .333, with 14 homeruns and 47 RBIs. He also stole 25 bases and posted an OPS of 1.079.
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Waldschmidt was praised for his defense, but also for his ability to hit the ball hard. He brings a nice combination of defense, speed, and power to the Diamondbacks, and could have a fast path to the majors.
Kentucky will likely have a couple of players selected in this year’s draft, but Waldschmidt will go into the books as the first former Wildcat picked. He has the tools to be a very good player for a long time, and Big Blue Nation will be rooting for him.