Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Baseball Summer League Update – July 14
Jul 14, 2023 | Baseball
A summer update of current and former Wildcats.
PRO CATS
Will Brennan – Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
In 79 games with the Guardians, Brennan is slashing .269/.300/.395 with 15 doubles, five home runs and 26 runs batted in. On June 27, Brennan hit a two-run double in the ninth inning to plate the game-winning run as the Guardians rallied past the Kansas City Royals, 2-1. Cleveland is 45-45 to lead the American League Central Division. He played three seasons at K-State as a two-way player, hitting .332 with a 5.66 ERA. Brennan was the only Wildcat taken in the 2019 MLB Draft, as he was selected in the eighth round (No. 250 overall) by Cleveland.
Nick Martini – Louisville Bats (Triple-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Martini is slashing .261/.378/.470 with 14 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 42 RBI in 63 games with the Louisville Bats this season. He is fourth on the team in RBI and sixth in homers. He has homered in three of his last seven games including a pair on July 1 against Indianapolis Indians, going 2-for-2 with a season-high six RBI. In May, Martini had a slash line of .297/.446/.422 with 10 driven in. In 2021, Martini made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on May 7. In 25 games with the Cubs, he went 10-for-37 with four RBI and six walks. Martini spent time with both the Oakland A's and San Diego Padres in 2019, hitting .226 with a home run, four doubles and 14 runs batted in. The former All-American outfielder was a seventh-round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. Louisville is 45-40 and stands fourth in the International League West Division.
Eric Torres – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A, Los Angeles Angels)
Torres, a 14th round draft pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, was promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake Bees on May 26 after making 13 relief appearances with Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas. In those 13 outings, he was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA (8 ER, 14.0 IP) and 825 strikeouts. Torres has made six appearances with the Bees with a 15.19 ERA (9 ER, 5.1 IP), making his debut with the team on May 26. With Salt Lake, he struck out a season-high four batters during his two innings in relief. Salt Lake is third in the Pacific Coast League West Division at 43-43 overall.
Jordan Wicks – Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs)
After beginning the year with the Tennessee Smokies (Double-A) Wicks was promoted to Triple-A Iowa Cubs, making his debut on June 30. In two starts for the Cubs, Wicks is 1-0 with a 5.79 ERA (6 ER, 9.1 IP), allowing seven hits with nine strikeouts. In his debut, Wicks went 4 1/3 innings and allowed three earned runs with four strikeouts, setting up the Cubs for 6-5 victory over Omaha. With Tennessee, he was 4-0 with a 3.39 ERA (22 ER, 58.1 IP) and 69 strikeouts. In his last start on June 21, he struck out five over four innings. Wicks struck out a season-best six hitters twice: May 13 vs. Montgomery, June 6 at Rocket City. The Conway, Ark., product has a WHIP of 1.17 with opponents hitting .227 against him. Wicks, the Wildcats first-ever first round draft pick, was selected 21st overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Iowa is in second the International League West Division at 50-35, just five games behind St. Paul.
Carson Seymour – Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A, San Francisco Giants)
In 17 appearances, Carson Seymour is 0-2 with a 4.08 ERA (29 ER, 64 IP) this season with Richmond and 46 strikeouts. Seymour has 12 starts with Richmond. In his latest outing, he struck out four over three innings against Bowie Baysox on July 9. Seymour was drafted in the sixth round (172nd overall) by the New York Mets in the 2021 MLB Draft. He was traded to the Giants organization in August 2022, following two seasons with the Mets organization. Richmond is 41-40 in the Eastern League Southwest Division with a 41-40 overall record.
Blake Adams – Spokane Indians (High-A, Colorado Rockies)
Adams, who was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 13th round (No. 386 overall) in the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft, has split time between the Fresno Grizzlies and Spokane Indians this season. He was assigned to the Indians in June and has made five starts with a 0-1 record and 5.74 ERA. Adams has a 1.65 WHIP, striking out 23 with opponents hitting .294 against him. He was named the Colorado Rockies MiLB Pitcher of the Month following his April performance, where he went 1-0 with a 1.06 ERA (17.0 IP, 2 ER) with 12 hits allowed, two walks and 20 strikeouts. He pitched one season at K-State in 2022, going 6-6 with a 5.07 ERA and 90 strikeouts. Spokane is third in the Northwest League at 41-39.
Tyler Eckberg – Beloit Sky Carp (High A, Miami Marlins)
Eckberg, who was assigned to High-A Beloit Sky Carp in April, has made 23 appearances on the mound with a 2.93 ERA. He is 2-1 with opponents hitting .270 against him this season. He's issued just sixwalks compared to 43 strikeouts. Eckberg picked up his second win in relief on May 9 during his shutout two innings. Beloit is 36-44 overall to sit fourth in the Midwest League West Division. Eckberg signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Miami Marlins following the 2021 MLB Draft, following three seasons at K-State.
Dominic Johnson – West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A, Detroit Tigers)
Johnson was promoted to High-A West Michigan Whitecaps following 58 games with Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers. Johnson made his debut on June 28 and has played in six games with Michigan. Johnson earned two hits with an RBI. The Edmond, Okla., product has slashed .271/.367/.401 with Lakeland, recording nine doubles, three triples and four home runs with 33 runs batted in. He drew 28 walks and scored 32 runs. Johnson had a season-best four hits against Palm Beach on April 25, going 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI. He played one season at K-State, slashing .345/.419/.593 with 20 doubles and 12 home runs in 2022. Johnson was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 13th round in the 2022 MLB Draft. Michigan is 38-42 at fourth in the Midwest League East Division standings.
Zach Kokoska – Spokane Indians (High-A, Colorado Rockies)
Kokoska, a 2021 All-Big 12 Second Team selection, is in third season in the Colorado Rockies organization. The Greensburg, Pa., product is slashing .308/.508/.583 through 67 games with 19 doubles, a triple and 15 home runs. His last home run came on July 5 vs. as he stands third on the team in home runs. Kokoska played three seasons at K-State where he slashed .363/.430/.595 before he was drafted in the 10th round (290th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2021 MLB Draft. Spokane is third in the Northwest League at 41-39.
Connor McCullough – Winston-Salem Dash (High-A, Chicago White Sox)
McCullough is in his second season in the White Sox organization. He has split time with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and Winston-Salem Dash. During seven starts with Winston-Salem, McCullough has a 2-1 record and 4.64 ERA. McCullough has a 1.21 WHIP with 31 strikeouts and opponents hitting .260. Winston-Salem is fourth in the South Atlantic League South Division with an overall record of 40-37. He pitched three seasons with the Wildcats, finishing his career with a 4.63 ERA and a 10-9 record. McCullough signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox following the 2022 MLB Draft.
Dylan Phillips – Tri-City Dust Devils (High-A, Los Angeles Angels)
Phillips, who was selected in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Angels, split time between Single-A Inland Empire and High-A Tri-City. The Wildcats all-time career home run leader was assigned to Tri-City June 19, following 31 games with Empire. Phillips is 0-1 with the Dust Devils with a 8.59 ERA and nine strikeouts. With the Empire 66ers, Phillips played in 31 games with a slash line of .195/.298/.268 and made 18 appearances with a 2-2 record and 3.77 ERA. Phillips was the first K-State player taken in the 2022 Major League Baseball First-Year Draft, as he was taken by the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth round (No. 238 overall).
Wesley Moore – Jersey Shore BlueClaws (High-A, Philadelphia Phillies)
Moore was assigned to High-A Jersey Shore on June 13, following 17 appearances with the Single-A Clearwater Threshers. Moore is 0-1 with Jersey Shower with a 1.64 ERA over nine appearances in relief. In his last outing, he struck out the side during his inning in relief without allowing a hit on July 9 against Hudson Valley. With Clearwater, Moore posted a perfect 4-0 record and 0.72 ERA with 39 walks. Moore has made three appearances with Jersey Shore, with no record and a 0.00 ERA over four innings. Moore signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies following the 2022 MLB Draft. The BlueClaws are 41-39 and stand third in the South Atlantic League North Division.
Kasey Ford – Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A, Houston Astros)
Ford split time between Houston's High-A and Single-A teams during the 2023 season. He started the year with High-A Asheville Tourists before getting assigned to the Single-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers. With Fayetteville, Ford has a 1.50 ERA over nine outings with three saves. He has struck out 22 and issued just six walks during 12 innings of relief. In 2023, Ford owns a 1.27 WHIP with opponents hitting .179 against him. Ford pitched five seasons at K-State, finishing his career with a 5.41 ERA and signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Houston Astros following the 2021 MLB Draft.
Brett Lockwood – Daytona Tortugas (Single-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Lockwood has appeared in 11 games in his third season in Single-A, posting a 5.87 ERA with nine strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings pitched. He is 0-1 and a WHIP of 2.15 with opponents hitting .250 against him. Lockwood went a season-long 2 2/3 innings against Bradenton on July 4. He has held opponents scoreless in five of eight games this season. Daytona is 37-43 overall, sitting third in the Florida State League East Division. Lockwood spent two seasons at K-State (2019-20) with a 3.22 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 17 relief appearances. He was a nondrafted signee of the Cincinnati Reds following the shortened 2020 MLB Draft.
Christian Ruebeck – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Single-A, Los Angeles Dodgers)
Ruebeck has made 10 appearances during his first season in the minors with a 1-0 record and 5.19 ERA. He picked up his first win in relief on May 28 vs. Lake Elsinore. A native of Denison, Texas, Ruebeck struck out a season-high three on June 23 vs. Lake Elsinore. Rancho Cucamonga leads the California League South Division with an overall 46-35 record, winning the first-half of the season at 39-27. He pitched one season for the Wildcats, going 0-1 with a 9.58 ERA while striking out 42 before he signed as an undrafted free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers following the 2022 MLB Draft.
Drew Mount – Chattanooga Lookouts (Double-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Mount moved up to Double-A to play for the Chattanooga Lookouts, making his debut on July 8, after playing for the ACL Reds. With the Reds, Mount slashed .310/.444/.345 with a double and six RBI. He 1-for-3 in his debut with Chattanooga on July 8. Mount was the only Wildcat taken in the 2018 MLB Draft when he was selected in the 16th-round by Cincinnati.
WILDCATS IN THE 2023 MLB DRAFT
Nick Goodwin – INF (Toronto Blue Jays)
Nick Goodwin was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh round (No. 214 overall) Monday as the three-time All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick was the first Wildcat taken in this year's draft. Goodwin started in all 173 games at short since taking the field in 2021, sending out 33 career blasts which stands fourth in the all-time records.
Brady Day – INF (Atlanta Braves)
Brady Day was picked on the final day of the MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves in the 12th round (No. 369 overall) as the second Wildcat taken in the draft. Day led the Wildcats offense with a .356 average with a team-high 69 hits and 49 walks, including a team-leading .381 average in Big 12 action.
German Fajardo – INF (Seattle Mariners)
Right-hander German Fajardo signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners following the 2023 MLB Draft. In two seasons as a Wildcat, Fajardo was 8-6 with a 4.98 ERA and struck out a career-high 10 against Wichita State on May 3, 2022.
SENIORS IN 2023-24
Shay Hartis – Kingsport Axmen (Appalachian League) – RHP
Shay Hartis is playing for Kingsport Axmen of the Appalachian "Appy" League. The Colony Texas, Texas product has made six appearances on the mound with one start and is 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA. He has walked three and ranks sixth on the team with 18 strikeouts. Kingsport is 16-16 and stands third in the Appy West Division.
Dom Hughes – Palm Springs Power (California League) – OF
Hughes played for the Palm Springs Power of the California League this summer, slashing .333/.551/.606 with three doubles, three triples and eight runs batted in. He recorded two multi-hit games for the Power and drew 14 walks with four stolen bases.
Jackson Hornhug – Harwich Mariners (Cape Cod League) – Catcher
Skidmore transfer Jackson Hornhug has competed in three games at first base and behind the plate for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League. Hornhug is slashing .222/.300/.333 with a double and two RBI. Harwich is 7-3 with a four-game win streak to lead the East Division of the Cape Cod League.
JUNIORS IN 2023-24
Kaelen Culpepper – Collegiate National Team (USA Baseball) – Infield
Following his short stop in the Cape Cod League with the Harwich Mariner, Kaelen Culpepper earned a position with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Culpepper and Team USA are 7-2 in their friendship series with Chinese Taipei and Japen, including a five-game sweep over Chinese Taipei. Culpepper, a product of Memphis, Tenn., is one of the top sluggers for Team USA as his .467 average is second on the team with two triples, three home runs and seven runs batted in. During eight starts, Culpepper is slugging a team-leading .900 with a .515 on-base percentage and eight runs scored. With the Mariners, Culpepper slashed .281/.425/.313 with a double, RBI, and five runs scored through nine games. The All-Big 12 honorable mention selection has generated three multi-hit games. Harwich leads the East Division of the Cape Cod League at 7-3 with a four-game win streak.
Brady Day – Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox (Cape Cod League) – Infield
Brady Day, a 2023 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and All-Tournament Team selection, was selected in the 12th round (No. 369 overall) in the 2023 MLB Draft on Tuesday as the second Wildcat selected in this year's draft. The Hampstead, N.H., product is playing for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League. Day is slashing .265/.333/.313 with four doubles, six RBI and seven runs scored. Day has postd multiple hits during seven contests this summer, including going 2-for-4 with a solo blast the day his was drafted. The Red Sox lead the East Division with a record of 15-9-1.
Brendan Jones – Elizabethton River Riders (Appalachian League) – RHP
A product of Greenbrier, Tenn., Brendan Jones is competing in the Appalachian League with the Elizabeth River Riders. The outfielder has a team-third best .281 average with five doubles, two triples, a homer and a team-leading 16 runs batted in. Jones is slugging .491 with a team-best .456 on-base percentage and has stolen 13 bases through 18 games this season. The River Riders are second in the Appy West Division with a 17-14 overall record and three-game win streak.
Tyson Neighbors – Collegiate National Team (USA Baseball) – RHP
Six-time All-American Tyson Neighbors earned a position with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team after his performance during the CNT Training Camp. Neighbors, a Stopper of the Year Finalist, has made three appearances for Team USA, allowing just one hit with one strikeout during his two-innings. He made two appearances during the national training camp, striking out five batters during his two scoreless innings in relief without allowing a hit.
Raphael Pelletier – Harwich Mariners (Cape Cod League) – Catcher
Raphael Pelletier is playing for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League (no stats available). Harwich is second in the East Division of the Cape Cod League at 13-12.
Collin Rothermel – Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox (Cape Cod League) – RHP
Collin Rothermel is playing for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League (no stats available). The Red Sox lead the East Division with a record of 15-9-1.
SOPHOMORES IN 2023-24
Andrew Evans – New Britain Bees (Futures League) – Right-Handed Pitcher
Andrew Evans, with the New Britain Bees of the Futures League, has made six appearances with two starts on the hill. Evans is 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA, allowing five earned runs through 13 2/3innings with three walks and 16 strikeouts. The Olathe, Kan., product limited the Sea Unicorns to just one hit on June 22 through four innings of work as he struck out a season-high five to pick up his first victory of the summer. New Britain is 24-16 and ranks third in the league standings.
Cadyn Karl – Southern Maryland Senators (Cal Ripken League) – OF
Cadyn Karl is playing with the Southern Maryland Senators of the Cap Ripken League. Karl is hitting .259 through 28 games with seven doubles and six RBI. He walked 18 times with 14 runs scored. Karl is slugging .341 with a .390 on-base percentage. The Edmond, Okla., product recorded a season-high three hits against the TBolts on July 3, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. The Senators are 12-17, ranking second in the Cal Ripken South Division standings.
Jayden Lobliner – Madison Mallards (Northwoods League) – RHP
Lobliner has seen action in 15 games this summer playing for the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League. The upcoming sophomore catcher is slashing .180/.439/.197 with a double and four RBI. He has posted three multi-hit games and recorded a season-high three hits against Fond du Lac going 3-for-5. The Mallards are fourth in the Great Lakes Division at 21-21 and are 6-3 in the second half of the season.
Kyan Lodice – Kokomo Jackrabbits (Northwoods League) – UTL
After starting the summer playing for the Kokomo Jackrabbits of the Northwoods League, Kyan Lodice has moved over to play for the Southern Maryland Senators alongside teammate Cadyn Karl. A native of Omaha, Neb., Kyan Lodice has played in eight games for the Senators, hitting .296 with four doubles, one homer and three RBI while slugging .556. He's walked four times with four stolen bases to go with a .387 on-base percentage. Lodice has produced a season-high two hits twice with the latest coming July 12, going 2-for-4 with a double. The Senators are 12-17, ranking second in the Cal Ripken South Division standings.
Cayden Phillips – CageRats (Rocky Mountain League) - Catcher
Cayden Phillips plays for the Cage Rats of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League (no stats available).
Carson Queck – Kingsport Axmen (Appalachian League) – Outfield
Queck is playing for the Kingsport Axman of the Appalachian "Appy" League. In 26 games, he's turned in a slash line of .233/.400/.329 with five doubles, one triple and 13 RBI. He has drawn 20 walks and scored 20 times this season with a team-leading 16 stolen bases. Kingsport is 16-16 and stands third in the Appy West Division.
Jackson Wentworth – Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (Northwoods League) – RHP
Jackson Wentworth has made seven appearances on the hill for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League with four starts. The Urbandale, Iowa, native is 0-2 and 6.60 ERA with 20 strikeouts against just seven walks. Wentworth punched out a season-high five in his season debut against the Green Bay Rockers on June 21. The River Rapids lead the Great Lakes West Division at 26-20 including a 6-4 record in their last 10 contests.
Cole Wisenbaker – North Adams SteepleCats (New England Collegiate League) – LHP
Cole Wisenbaker has made six appearances in relief for the North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate League. Wisenbaker ranks third on the team with an ERA of 3.37 over 10.2 innings, issuing five walks against nine strikeouts. He pitched a least two innings in four contests for the SteepleCats. North Adams is 7-19 and ranks fourth in the New England West Division.
FRESHMAN IN 2023-24
Micah Dean – Worcester Bravehearts (Futures League) - Utility
Micah Dean, an incoming freshman with the Worcester Bravehearts of the Futures League, is slashing .214/.250/.262 with two double and two RBI through 15 games. The Sugarland, Texas product has recorded three multi-hit games. The Bravehearts rank second in the league standings with a 28-14 record.
Nick English – Pittsfield Suns (Futures League) – Catcher
In nine games, English has produced a slash line of .254/.347/.413 with eight doubles, one triple and five RBI. English has drawn eight walks and scored eight runs as the Olathe, Kan., product has produced five multi-hit games. On July 12, English went 2-for-4 with a two-out RBI double in the third against the Nashua Silver Knights. Pittsfield is 16-23 and ranks sixth in the league standings.
Rohan Putz – Pittsfield Suns (Futures League) – Outfield
Putz, a native of Kansas City, Mo., is playing in the outfield for the Pittsfield Suns of the Futures League where he has generated a slash line of .171/.244/.220. Putz went 2-for-2 in the Suns victory on June 25 with an RBI. Pittsfield is 16-23 and ranks sixth in the league standings.
Blake Wilson – CageRats (Rocky Mountain League)
Blake Wilson plays for the Cage Rats of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League (no stats available).
PRO CATS
Will Brennan – Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
In 79 games with the Guardians, Brennan is slashing .269/.300/.395 with 15 doubles, five home runs and 26 runs batted in. On June 27, Brennan hit a two-run double in the ninth inning to plate the game-winning run as the Guardians rallied past the Kansas City Royals, 2-1. Cleveland is 45-45 to lead the American League Central Division. He played three seasons at K-State as a two-way player, hitting .332 with a 5.66 ERA. Brennan was the only Wildcat taken in the 2019 MLB Draft, as he was selected in the eighth round (No. 250 overall) by Cleveland.
Nick Martini – Louisville Bats (Triple-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Martini is slashing .261/.378/.470 with 14 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 42 RBI in 63 games with the Louisville Bats this season. He is fourth on the team in RBI and sixth in homers. He has homered in three of his last seven games including a pair on July 1 against Indianapolis Indians, going 2-for-2 with a season-high six RBI. In May, Martini had a slash line of .297/.446/.422 with 10 driven in. In 2021, Martini made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs on May 7. In 25 games with the Cubs, he went 10-for-37 with four RBI and six walks. Martini spent time with both the Oakland A's and San Diego Padres in 2019, hitting .226 with a home run, four doubles and 14 runs batted in. The former All-American outfielder was a seventh-round selection of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. Louisville is 45-40 and stands fourth in the International League West Division.
Eric Torres – Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A, Los Angeles Angels)
Torres, a 14th round draft pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, was promoted to Triple-A Salt Lake Bees on May 26 after making 13 relief appearances with Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas. In those 13 outings, he was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA (8 ER, 14.0 IP) and 825 strikeouts. Torres has made six appearances with the Bees with a 15.19 ERA (9 ER, 5.1 IP), making his debut with the team on May 26. With Salt Lake, he struck out a season-high four batters during his two innings in relief. Salt Lake is third in the Pacific Coast League West Division at 43-43 overall.
Jordan Wicks – Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, Chicago Cubs)
After beginning the year with the Tennessee Smokies (Double-A) Wicks was promoted to Triple-A Iowa Cubs, making his debut on June 30. In two starts for the Cubs, Wicks is 1-0 with a 5.79 ERA (6 ER, 9.1 IP), allowing seven hits with nine strikeouts. In his debut, Wicks went 4 1/3 innings and allowed three earned runs with four strikeouts, setting up the Cubs for 6-5 victory over Omaha. With Tennessee, he was 4-0 with a 3.39 ERA (22 ER, 58.1 IP) and 69 strikeouts. In his last start on June 21, he struck out five over four innings. Wicks struck out a season-best six hitters twice: May 13 vs. Montgomery, June 6 at Rocket City. The Conway, Ark., product has a WHIP of 1.17 with opponents hitting .227 against him. Wicks, the Wildcats first-ever first round draft pick, was selected 21st overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Iowa is in second the International League West Division at 50-35, just five games behind St. Paul.
Carson Seymour – Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A, San Francisco Giants)
In 17 appearances, Carson Seymour is 0-2 with a 4.08 ERA (29 ER, 64 IP) this season with Richmond and 46 strikeouts. Seymour has 12 starts with Richmond. In his latest outing, he struck out four over three innings against Bowie Baysox on July 9. Seymour was drafted in the sixth round (172nd overall) by the New York Mets in the 2021 MLB Draft. He was traded to the Giants organization in August 2022, following two seasons with the Mets organization. Richmond is 41-40 in the Eastern League Southwest Division with a 41-40 overall record.
Blake Adams – Spokane Indians (High-A, Colorado Rockies)
Adams, who was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 13th round (No. 386 overall) in the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft, has split time between the Fresno Grizzlies and Spokane Indians this season. He was assigned to the Indians in June and has made five starts with a 0-1 record and 5.74 ERA. Adams has a 1.65 WHIP, striking out 23 with opponents hitting .294 against him. He was named the Colorado Rockies MiLB Pitcher of the Month following his April performance, where he went 1-0 with a 1.06 ERA (17.0 IP, 2 ER) with 12 hits allowed, two walks and 20 strikeouts. He pitched one season at K-State in 2022, going 6-6 with a 5.07 ERA and 90 strikeouts. Spokane is third in the Northwest League at 41-39.
Tyler Eckberg – Beloit Sky Carp (High A, Miami Marlins)
Eckberg, who was assigned to High-A Beloit Sky Carp in April, has made 23 appearances on the mound with a 2.93 ERA. He is 2-1 with opponents hitting .270 against him this season. He's issued just sixwalks compared to 43 strikeouts. Eckberg picked up his second win in relief on May 9 during his shutout two innings. Beloit is 36-44 overall to sit fourth in the Midwest League West Division. Eckberg signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Miami Marlins following the 2021 MLB Draft, following three seasons at K-State.
Dominic Johnson – West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A, Detroit Tigers)
Johnson was promoted to High-A West Michigan Whitecaps following 58 games with Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers. Johnson made his debut on June 28 and has played in six games with Michigan. Johnson earned two hits with an RBI. The Edmond, Okla., product has slashed .271/.367/.401 with Lakeland, recording nine doubles, three triples and four home runs with 33 runs batted in. He drew 28 walks and scored 32 runs. Johnson had a season-best four hits against Palm Beach on April 25, going 4-for-4 with a double and two RBI. He played one season at K-State, slashing .345/.419/.593 with 20 doubles and 12 home runs in 2022. Johnson was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 13th round in the 2022 MLB Draft. Michigan is 38-42 at fourth in the Midwest League East Division standings.
Zach Kokoska – Spokane Indians (High-A, Colorado Rockies)
Kokoska, a 2021 All-Big 12 Second Team selection, is in third season in the Colorado Rockies organization. The Greensburg, Pa., product is slashing .308/.508/.583 through 67 games with 19 doubles, a triple and 15 home runs. His last home run came on July 5 vs. as he stands third on the team in home runs. Kokoska played three seasons at K-State where he slashed .363/.430/.595 before he was drafted in the 10th round (290th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2021 MLB Draft. Spokane is third in the Northwest League at 41-39.
Connor McCullough – Winston-Salem Dash (High-A, Chicago White Sox)
McCullough is in his second season in the White Sox organization. He has split time with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and Winston-Salem Dash. During seven starts with Winston-Salem, McCullough has a 2-1 record and 4.64 ERA. McCullough has a 1.21 WHIP with 31 strikeouts and opponents hitting .260. Winston-Salem is fourth in the South Atlantic League South Division with an overall record of 40-37. He pitched three seasons with the Wildcats, finishing his career with a 4.63 ERA and a 10-9 record. McCullough signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox following the 2022 MLB Draft.
Dylan Phillips – Tri-City Dust Devils (High-A, Los Angeles Angels)
Phillips, who was selected in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Angels, split time between Single-A Inland Empire and High-A Tri-City. The Wildcats all-time career home run leader was assigned to Tri-City June 19, following 31 games with Empire. Phillips is 0-1 with the Dust Devils with a 8.59 ERA and nine strikeouts. With the Empire 66ers, Phillips played in 31 games with a slash line of .195/.298/.268 and made 18 appearances with a 2-2 record and 3.77 ERA. Phillips was the first K-State player taken in the 2022 Major League Baseball First-Year Draft, as he was taken by the Los Angeles Angels in the eighth round (No. 238 overall).
Wesley Moore – Jersey Shore BlueClaws (High-A, Philadelphia Phillies)
Moore was assigned to High-A Jersey Shore on June 13, following 17 appearances with the Single-A Clearwater Threshers. Moore is 0-1 with Jersey Shower with a 1.64 ERA over nine appearances in relief. In his last outing, he struck out the side during his inning in relief without allowing a hit on July 9 against Hudson Valley. With Clearwater, Moore posted a perfect 4-0 record and 0.72 ERA with 39 walks. Moore has made three appearances with Jersey Shore, with no record and a 0.00 ERA over four innings. Moore signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies following the 2022 MLB Draft. The BlueClaws are 41-39 and stand third in the South Atlantic League North Division.
Kasey Ford – Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A, Houston Astros)
Ford split time between Houston's High-A and Single-A teams during the 2023 season. He started the year with High-A Asheville Tourists before getting assigned to the Single-A Fayetteville Woodpeckers. With Fayetteville, Ford has a 1.50 ERA over nine outings with three saves. He has struck out 22 and issued just six walks during 12 innings of relief. In 2023, Ford owns a 1.27 WHIP with opponents hitting .179 against him. Ford pitched five seasons at K-State, finishing his career with a 5.41 ERA and signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Houston Astros following the 2021 MLB Draft.
Brett Lockwood – Daytona Tortugas (Single-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Lockwood has appeared in 11 games in his third season in Single-A, posting a 5.87 ERA with nine strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings pitched. He is 0-1 and a WHIP of 2.15 with opponents hitting .250 against him. Lockwood went a season-long 2 2/3 innings against Bradenton on July 4. He has held opponents scoreless in five of eight games this season. Daytona is 37-43 overall, sitting third in the Florida State League East Division. Lockwood spent two seasons at K-State (2019-20) with a 3.22 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 17 relief appearances. He was a nondrafted signee of the Cincinnati Reds following the shortened 2020 MLB Draft.
Christian Ruebeck – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Single-A, Los Angeles Dodgers)
Ruebeck has made 10 appearances during his first season in the minors with a 1-0 record and 5.19 ERA. He picked up his first win in relief on May 28 vs. Lake Elsinore. A native of Denison, Texas, Ruebeck struck out a season-high three on June 23 vs. Lake Elsinore. Rancho Cucamonga leads the California League South Division with an overall 46-35 record, winning the first-half of the season at 39-27. He pitched one season for the Wildcats, going 0-1 with a 9.58 ERA while striking out 42 before he signed as an undrafted free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers following the 2022 MLB Draft.
Drew Mount – Chattanooga Lookouts (Double-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Mount moved up to Double-A to play for the Chattanooga Lookouts, making his debut on July 8, after playing for the ACL Reds. With the Reds, Mount slashed .310/.444/.345 with a double and six RBI. He 1-for-3 in his debut with Chattanooga on July 8. Mount was the only Wildcat taken in the 2018 MLB Draft when he was selected in the 16th-round by Cincinnati.
WILDCATS IN THE 2023 MLB DRAFT
Nick Goodwin – INF (Toronto Blue Jays)
Nick Goodwin was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh round (No. 214 overall) Monday as the three-time All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick was the first Wildcat taken in this year's draft. Goodwin started in all 173 games at short since taking the field in 2021, sending out 33 career blasts which stands fourth in the all-time records.
Brady Day – INF (Atlanta Braves)
Brady Day was picked on the final day of the MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves in the 12th round (No. 369 overall) as the second Wildcat taken in the draft. Day led the Wildcats offense with a .356 average with a team-high 69 hits and 49 walks, including a team-leading .381 average in Big 12 action.
German Fajardo – INF (Seattle Mariners)
Right-hander German Fajardo signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners following the 2023 MLB Draft. In two seasons as a Wildcat, Fajardo was 8-6 with a 4.98 ERA and struck out a career-high 10 against Wichita State on May 3, 2022.
SENIORS IN 2023-24
Shay Hartis – Kingsport Axmen (Appalachian League) – RHP
Shay Hartis is playing for Kingsport Axmen of the Appalachian "Appy" League. The Colony Texas, Texas product has made six appearances on the mound with one start and is 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA. He has walked three and ranks sixth on the team with 18 strikeouts. Kingsport is 16-16 and stands third in the Appy West Division.
Dom Hughes – Palm Springs Power (California League) – OF
Hughes played for the Palm Springs Power of the California League this summer, slashing .333/.551/.606 with three doubles, three triples and eight runs batted in. He recorded two multi-hit games for the Power and drew 14 walks with four stolen bases.
Jackson Hornhug – Harwich Mariners (Cape Cod League) – Catcher
Skidmore transfer Jackson Hornhug has competed in three games at first base and behind the plate for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League. Hornhug is slashing .222/.300/.333 with a double and two RBI. Harwich is 7-3 with a four-game win streak to lead the East Division of the Cape Cod League.
JUNIORS IN 2023-24
Kaelen Culpepper – Collegiate National Team (USA Baseball) – Infield
Following his short stop in the Cape Cod League with the Harwich Mariner, Kaelen Culpepper earned a position with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Culpepper and Team USA are 7-2 in their friendship series with Chinese Taipei and Japen, including a five-game sweep over Chinese Taipei. Culpepper, a product of Memphis, Tenn., is one of the top sluggers for Team USA as his .467 average is second on the team with two triples, three home runs and seven runs batted in. During eight starts, Culpepper is slugging a team-leading .900 with a .515 on-base percentage and eight runs scored. With the Mariners, Culpepper slashed .281/.425/.313 with a double, RBI, and five runs scored through nine games. The All-Big 12 honorable mention selection has generated three multi-hit games. Harwich leads the East Division of the Cape Cod League at 7-3 with a four-game win streak.
Brady Day – Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox (Cape Cod League) – Infield
Brady Day, a 2023 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and All-Tournament Team selection, was selected in the 12th round (No. 369 overall) in the 2023 MLB Draft on Tuesday as the second Wildcat selected in this year's draft. The Hampstead, N.H., product is playing for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League. Day is slashing .265/.333/.313 with four doubles, six RBI and seven runs scored. Day has postd multiple hits during seven contests this summer, including going 2-for-4 with a solo blast the day his was drafted. The Red Sox lead the East Division with a record of 15-9-1.
Brendan Jones – Elizabethton River Riders (Appalachian League) – RHP
A product of Greenbrier, Tenn., Brendan Jones is competing in the Appalachian League with the Elizabeth River Riders. The outfielder has a team-third best .281 average with five doubles, two triples, a homer and a team-leading 16 runs batted in. Jones is slugging .491 with a team-best .456 on-base percentage and has stolen 13 bases through 18 games this season. The River Riders are second in the Appy West Division with a 17-14 overall record and three-game win streak.
Tyson Neighbors – Collegiate National Team (USA Baseball) – RHP
Six-time All-American Tyson Neighbors earned a position with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team after his performance during the CNT Training Camp. Neighbors, a Stopper of the Year Finalist, has made three appearances for Team USA, allowing just one hit with one strikeout during his two-innings. He made two appearances during the national training camp, striking out five batters during his two scoreless innings in relief without allowing a hit.
Raphael Pelletier – Harwich Mariners (Cape Cod League) – Catcher
Raphael Pelletier is playing for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League (no stats available). Harwich is second in the East Division of the Cape Cod League at 13-12.
Collin Rothermel – Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox (Cape Cod League) – RHP
Collin Rothermel is playing for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League (no stats available). The Red Sox lead the East Division with a record of 15-9-1.
SOPHOMORES IN 2023-24
Andrew Evans – New Britain Bees (Futures League) – Right-Handed Pitcher
Andrew Evans, with the New Britain Bees of the Futures League, has made six appearances with two starts on the hill. Evans is 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA, allowing five earned runs through 13 2/3innings with three walks and 16 strikeouts. The Olathe, Kan., product limited the Sea Unicorns to just one hit on June 22 through four innings of work as he struck out a season-high five to pick up his first victory of the summer. New Britain is 24-16 and ranks third in the league standings.
Cadyn Karl – Southern Maryland Senators (Cal Ripken League) – OF
Cadyn Karl is playing with the Southern Maryland Senators of the Cap Ripken League. Karl is hitting .259 through 28 games with seven doubles and six RBI. He walked 18 times with 14 runs scored. Karl is slugging .341 with a .390 on-base percentage. The Edmond, Okla., product recorded a season-high three hits against the TBolts on July 3, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. The Senators are 12-17, ranking second in the Cal Ripken South Division standings.
Jayden Lobliner – Madison Mallards (Northwoods League) – RHP
Lobliner has seen action in 15 games this summer playing for the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League. The upcoming sophomore catcher is slashing .180/.439/.197 with a double and four RBI. He has posted three multi-hit games and recorded a season-high three hits against Fond du Lac going 3-for-5. The Mallards are fourth in the Great Lakes Division at 21-21 and are 6-3 in the second half of the season.
Kyan Lodice – Kokomo Jackrabbits (Northwoods League) – UTL
After starting the summer playing for the Kokomo Jackrabbits of the Northwoods League, Kyan Lodice has moved over to play for the Southern Maryland Senators alongside teammate Cadyn Karl. A native of Omaha, Neb., Kyan Lodice has played in eight games for the Senators, hitting .296 with four doubles, one homer and three RBI while slugging .556. He's walked four times with four stolen bases to go with a .387 on-base percentage. Lodice has produced a season-high two hits twice with the latest coming July 12, going 2-for-4 with a double. The Senators are 12-17, ranking second in the Cal Ripken South Division standings.
Cayden Phillips – CageRats (Rocky Mountain League) - Catcher
Cayden Phillips plays for the Cage Rats of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League (no stats available).
Carson Queck – Kingsport Axmen (Appalachian League) – Outfield
Queck is playing for the Kingsport Axman of the Appalachian "Appy" League. In 26 games, he's turned in a slash line of .233/.400/.329 with five doubles, one triple and 13 RBI. He has drawn 20 walks and scored 20 times this season with a team-leading 16 stolen bases. Kingsport is 16-16 and stands third in the Appy West Division.
Jackson Wentworth – Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (Northwoods League) – RHP
Jackson Wentworth has made seven appearances on the hill for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League with four starts. The Urbandale, Iowa, native is 0-2 and 6.60 ERA with 20 strikeouts against just seven walks. Wentworth punched out a season-high five in his season debut against the Green Bay Rockers on June 21. The River Rapids lead the Great Lakes West Division at 26-20 including a 6-4 record in their last 10 contests.
Cole Wisenbaker – North Adams SteepleCats (New England Collegiate League) – LHP
Cole Wisenbaker has made six appearances in relief for the North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate League. Wisenbaker ranks third on the team with an ERA of 3.37 over 10.2 innings, issuing five walks against nine strikeouts. He pitched a least two innings in four contests for the SteepleCats. North Adams is 7-19 and ranks fourth in the New England West Division.
FRESHMAN IN 2023-24
Micah Dean – Worcester Bravehearts (Futures League) - Utility
Micah Dean, an incoming freshman with the Worcester Bravehearts of the Futures League, is slashing .214/.250/.262 with two double and two RBI through 15 games. The Sugarland, Texas product has recorded three multi-hit games. The Bravehearts rank second in the league standings with a 28-14 record.
Nick English – Pittsfield Suns (Futures League) – Catcher
In nine games, English has produced a slash line of .254/.347/.413 with eight doubles, one triple and five RBI. English has drawn eight walks and scored eight runs as the Olathe, Kan., product has produced five multi-hit games. On July 12, English went 2-for-4 with a two-out RBI double in the third against the Nashua Silver Knights. Pittsfield is 16-23 and ranks sixth in the league standings.
Rohan Putz – Pittsfield Suns (Futures League) – Outfield
Putz, a native of Kansas City, Mo., is playing in the outfield for the Pittsfield Suns of the Futures League where he has generated a slash line of .171/.244/.220. Putz went 2-for-2 in the Suns victory on June 25 with an RBI. Pittsfield is 16-23 and ranks sixth in the league standings.
Blake Wilson – CageRats (Rocky Mountain League)
Blake Wilson plays for the Cage Rats of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League (no stats available).
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/ BaseballK-State BSB | Postgame Press Conference vs Texas
Sunday, June 01
K-State Baseball | Game Highlights vs Houston Christian (Austin Regional)
Sunday, June 01
K-State BSB | Game Highlights vs Houston Christian (Austin Regional)
Saturday, May 31
K-State BSB | Postgame Press Conference vs Houston Christian
Saturday, May 31