K-State Baseball Summer League Update – July 28
Jul 28, 2023 | Baseball
A summer update of current and former Wildcats.
PRO CATS
Will Brennan – Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
Brennan, the only Wildcat taken in 2019 MLB Draft, is slashing .262/.296/.376 with 17 doubles, five home runs and 28 runs batted in. The Stilwell, Kan., product is hitting .225 in July with three doubles and three RBI. He went 2-for-4 against the White Sox on Thursday. Cleveland is second in the American League Central Division at 52-51. He played three seasons at K-State as a two-way player, hitting .332 with a 5.66 ERA. Brennan was selected in the eighth round (No. 250 overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft by Cleveland.
Nick Martini – Louisville Bats (Triple-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Martini is slashing .268/.384/.485 with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs and 52 RBI in 73 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 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 fifth in the International League West Division with 12-12 record in the second half of the season.
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 13 outings for the Pandas, he was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA (8 ER, 14.0 IP) and 825 strikeouts. Torres has made 11 appearances with the Bees with a 11.25 ERA (15 ER, 12 IP). He has struck out a pair of batters in an inning of relief four times with Salt Lake. The Bees fifth in the Pacific Coast League West Division.
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 four starts for the Cubs, Wicks is 2-0 with a 4.91 ERA (10 ER, 18.1 IP), allowing 16 hits with 15 strikeouts. He picked up his second victory with Iowa July 23 after holding Indiana to one run over five innings. 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 leads the International League West Division with a record of 15-9 during the second half of the season.
Carson Seymour – Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A, San Francisco Giants)
With 15 starts over 20 outings, Carson Seymour is 2-2 with a 4.06 ERA (35 ER, 77.2 IP) this season with Richmond and 64 strikeouts. He picked up a victory in two consecutive outings for the Flying Squirrels striking out 13 over 9 2/3 innings of work. 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.
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 placed on a seven-day injured list after he was assigned to the Indians in June. Adams has made six starts with a 0-2 record and 6.61 ERA with a .172 WHIP, striking out 30. 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 was assigned to High-A Beloit Sky Carp in April and has made 27 relief appearances with a 3.30 ERA. He is 2-1 with opponents hitting .276 against him this season. He's issued just six walks compared to 51 strikeouts. Eckberg picked up his second win in relief on May 9 during his shutout two innings. 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. The Edmond, Okla., product made his debut on June 28 and has played in 15 games with Michigan with a slash line of .128/.170/.241 with two doubles and three RBI. With Lakeland, Johnson slashed .271/.367/.401 with Lakeland, recording nine doubles, three triples and four home runs with 33 runs batted in. 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.
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. Kokoska was named the NWOS Player of the Game after going 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI in the Indians 7-6 win over Vancouver on July 19. The Greensburg, Pa., product is slashing .303/.399/.562 through 76 games with 21 doubles, a triple and 16 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.
Connor McCullough – Winston-Salem Dash (High-A, Chicago White Sox)
McCullough has split time with the Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and High-A Winston-Salem Dash. During nine starts with Winston-Salem, McCullough has a 2-2 record and 4.81 ERA. McCullough has a 1.19 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and opponents hitting .253. In his last outing, McCullough threw a season-high six innings holding opponents to two earned runs on four hits with nine strikeouts. 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 9.82 ERA and 14 strikeouts, including a season-best three during his two innings against the Everett AquaSox. 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 2.93 ERA over 14 appearances in relief. The British Columbia product has struck out 39 against 12 walks with a WHIp of 1.04 and opponenets hitting .157. In his last outing, he struck out the side in order during his inning in relief. With Clearwater, Moore posted a perfect 4-0 record and 0.72 ERA with 39 walks. Moore signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies following the 2022 MLB Draft.
Kasey Ford – Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A, Houston Astros)
Ford has 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 1.84 ERA over 12 outings with three saves. He has struck out 27 and issued just eight walks during 14 2/3 innings of relief. In 2023, Ford owns a 1.16 WHIP with opponents hitting .170 against him. He is 1-1 in July totaling three scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. 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 made 13 relief outings this year with Daytona, posting a 4.35 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings. He is 0-1 with a WHIP of 1.98 while opponents are hitting .263 against him. Lockwood threw three scoreless innings on July 21, holding opponents to one hit with one strikeout and a walk. He has held opponents scoreless in five of nine games this season. 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 is on a seven-day injured list by Rancho Cucamonga. He 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 after playing for the ACL Reds. With the Lookouts, Mount is slashing .421/.476/.579 with a double, triple and six RBI since making his Double-A debut on July 8. He has generated four multi-hit games including a season-high three hits earlier this mount with ACL. 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 played 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 walked three and with 18 strikeouts. Kingsport is 21-22 and stands second 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 slashed .222/.300/.333 with a double and two RBI. Harwich 16-21 to sit third in the East Division.
JUNIORS IN 2023-24
Kaelen Culpepper – Harwich Mariners (Cape Cod League) – Infield
Kaelen Culpepper split time between the the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League and with the Collegiate National. Culpepper and Team USA are 7-3 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 .471 average lead Team USA with two triples, three home runs and seven runs batted in. During nine starts, Culpepper is slugging a team-leading .853 and .526 on-base percentage. Culpepper socked two homers in USA's 17-1 defeat over Chinese Taipei. With the Mariners, Culpepper slashed .270/.382/.317 with three doubles, seven RBI, and five runs scored in 17 games. The All-Big 12 honorable mention selection generated six multi-hit games, hitting .258 in the month of July. Harwich 16-21 to sit third in the East Division.
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 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 and earned a position on the league's All-Star team. Day is slashing .250/.337/.348 with six doubles, one home run, six RBI and 10 runs scored. Day has posted multiple hits during seven contests this summer, including going 2-for-4 with a solo blast the day his was drafted. Yarmouth-Dennis clinched a spot in the league's playoffs and currently leads the East Division standings with a 21-16 overall record.
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's average of .273 ranks third on the team with six doubles, two triples, two home runs and a team-leading 20 runs batted in. Jones leads the team in slugging percentage (.481) and on-base percentage (.442) while stealing a second-best 15 bases. The River Riders are third in the Appy West Division with a 20-21 overall record.
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, made four appearances for Team USA, allowing just three hits with four strikeouts during his 3 2/3 innings in relief. He made two appearances during the national training camp, striking out five batters during his two scoreless innings in relief without allowing a hit.
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, earned a position on the league's All-Star Team. Evans and Team Mountain claimed the Futures League All-Star Championship, defeating Team Lake 3-1 Tuesday night. The Olathe, Kan., product has made eight appearances with three starts for the Bees. Evans is 2-1 with a 5.60 ERA, allowing 11 earned runs through 17 2/3 innings with 22 strikeouts. During the league's all-star game, he left opponents scoreless in his 2/3 innings in relief with a strikeout.
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 .253 through 29 games with seven doubles and six RBI. He walked 18 times with 14 runs scored. Karl is slugging .333 with a .383 on-base percentage. The Edmond, Okla., product is hitting .351 in the month of July with 13 hits including five contests with multiple hits. Karl recorded a season-high three hits against the TBolts on July 3, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. The Senators are tied third at 14-22 in the Cal Ripken South Division standings.
Jayden Lobliner – Madison Mallards (Northwoods League) – RHP
Lobliner saw action in 15 games this summer playing with the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League. The upcoming sophomore catcher slashed .180/.439/.197 with a double and four RBI. He posted three multi-hit games and recorded a season-high three hits against Fond du Lac going 3-for-5. The Mallards are third overall in the Great Lakes Division at 29-26 while leading the second half of the season 14-8.
Kyan Lodice – Southern Maryland Senators (Cal Ripken League) – UTL
After starting the summer playing for the Kokomo Jackrabbits of the Northwoods League, Kyan Lodice moved over to play for the Southern Maryland Senators alongside teammate Cadyn Karl. A native of Omaha, Neb., Kyan Lodice is third on the team with a .311 average. He's compiled six doubles, two homers and four RBI while slugging a team-high .578. His last homer came on July 14 with a ninth inning solo blast to level the game 12-12. The Senators are tied third at 14-22 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 33 games, he's turned in a slash line of .194/.344/.265 with five doubles, one triple and 14 RBI. He has drawn 22 walks and scored 21 runs with 18 stolen bases. Kingsport is 21-22 and stands second in the Appy West Division.
Jackson Wentworth – Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (Northwoods League) – RHP
Jackson Wentworth made seven appearances for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League with four starts. The Urbandale, Iowa, native went 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 30-25 overall.
Cole Wisenbaker – North Adams SteepleCats (New England Collegiate League) – LHP
Cole Wisenbaker has made nine relief appearances in relief for the North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate League. He picked up NECBL Pitcher Honor Roll honors on July 17 after tossing three scoreless innings against Bristol with a pair of strikeouts. Wisenbaker ranks fifth on the fifth with an ERA of 1.96 over 18 1/3 innings, issuing nine walks against 16 strikeouts. North Adams is 10-29 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/.275/.255 with two double and two RBI through 19 games. The Sugarland, Texas product has recorded three multi-hit games. The Bravehearts rank second in the league standings with a 33-20 record and are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
Nick English – Pittsfield Suns (Futures League) – Catcher
In nine games, English has produced a slash line of .263/.378/.434 with a team-leading 11 doubles, one triple and seven RBI. English has drawn 14 walks and scored 14 runs as the Olathe, Kan., product has produced six multi-hit games. On July 23, English went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and RBI. Pittsfield is 22-24 with a six-game winning streak 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 .188/.291/.250. Putz has driven in six RBI with six walks and scored seven runs. Pittsfield is 22-24 with a six-game winning streak 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)
Brennan, the only Wildcat taken in 2019 MLB Draft, is slashing .262/.296/.376 with 17 doubles, five home runs and 28 runs batted in. The Stilwell, Kan., product is hitting .225 in July with three doubles and three RBI. He went 2-for-4 against the White Sox on Thursday. Cleveland is second in the American League Central Division at 52-51. He played three seasons at K-State as a two-way player, hitting .332 with a 5.66 ERA. Brennan was selected in the eighth round (No. 250 overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft by Cleveland.
Nick Martini – Louisville Bats (Triple-A, Cincinnati Reds)
Martini is slashing .268/.384/.485 with 16 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs and 52 RBI in 73 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 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 fifth in the International League West Division with 12-12 record in the second half of the season.
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 13 outings for the Pandas, he was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA (8 ER, 14.0 IP) and 825 strikeouts. Torres has made 11 appearances with the Bees with a 11.25 ERA (15 ER, 12 IP). He has struck out a pair of batters in an inning of relief four times with Salt Lake. The Bees fifth in the Pacific Coast League West Division.
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 four starts for the Cubs, Wicks is 2-0 with a 4.91 ERA (10 ER, 18.1 IP), allowing 16 hits with 15 strikeouts. He picked up his second victory with Iowa July 23 after holding Indiana to one run over five innings. 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 leads the International League West Division with a record of 15-9 during the second half of the season.
Carson Seymour – Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A, San Francisco Giants)
With 15 starts over 20 outings, Carson Seymour is 2-2 with a 4.06 ERA (35 ER, 77.2 IP) this season with Richmond and 64 strikeouts. He picked up a victory in two consecutive outings for the Flying Squirrels striking out 13 over 9 2/3 innings of work. 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.
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 placed on a seven-day injured list after he was assigned to the Indians in June. Adams has made six starts with a 0-2 record and 6.61 ERA with a .172 WHIP, striking out 30. 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 was assigned to High-A Beloit Sky Carp in April and has made 27 relief appearances with a 3.30 ERA. He is 2-1 with opponents hitting .276 against him this season. He's issued just six walks compared to 51 strikeouts. Eckberg picked up his second win in relief on May 9 during his shutout two innings. 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. The Edmond, Okla., product made his debut on June 28 and has played in 15 games with Michigan with a slash line of .128/.170/.241 with two doubles and three RBI. With Lakeland, Johnson slashed .271/.367/.401 with Lakeland, recording nine doubles, three triples and four home runs with 33 runs batted in. 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.
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. Kokoska was named the NWOS Player of the Game after going 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI in the Indians 7-6 win over Vancouver on July 19. The Greensburg, Pa., product is slashing .303/.399/.562 through 76 games with 21 doubles, a triple and 16 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.
Connor McCullough – Winston-Salem Dash (High-A, Chicago White Sox)
McCullough has split time with the Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and High-A Winston-Salem Dash. During nine starts with Winston-Salem, McCullough has a 2-2 record and 4.81 ERA. McCullough has a 1.19 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and opponents hitting .253. In his last outing, McCullough threw a season-high six innings holding opponents to two earned runs on four hits with nine strikeouts. 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 9.82 ERA and 14 strikeouts, including a season-best three during his two innings against the Everett AquaSox. 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 2.93 ERA over 14 appearances in relief. The British Columbia product has struck out 39 against 12 walks with a WHIp of 1.04 and opponenets hitting .157. In his last outing, he struck out the side in order during his inning in relief. With Clearwater, Moore posted a perfect 4-0 record and 0.72 ERA with 39 walks. Moore signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies following the 2022 MLB Draft.
Kasey Ford – Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Single-A, Houston Astros)
Ford has 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 1.84 ERA over 12 outings with three saves. He has struck out 27 and issued just eight walks during 14 2/3 innings of relief. In 2023, Ford owns a 1.16 WHIP with opponents hitting .170 against him. He is 1-1 in July totaling three scoreless innings with eight strikeouts. 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 made 13 relief outings this year with Daytona, posting a 4.35 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings. He is 0-1 with a WHIP of 1.98 while opponents are hitting .263 against him. Lockwood threw three scoreless innings on July 21, holding opponents to one hit with one strikeout and a walk. He has held opponents scoreless in five of nine games this season. 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 is on a seven-day injured list by Rancho Cucamonga. He 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 after playing for the ACL Reds. With the Lookouts, Mount is slashing .421/.476/.579 with a double, triple and six RBI since making his Double-A debut on July 8. He has generated four multi-hit games including a season-high three hits earlier this mount with ACL. 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 played 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 walked three and with 18 strikeouts. Kingsport is 21-22 and stands second 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 slashed .222/.300/.333 with a double and two RBI. Harwich 16-21 to sit third in the East Division.
JUNIORS IN 2023-24
Kaelen Culpepper – Harwich Mariners (Cape Cod League) – Infield
Kaelen Culpepper split time between the the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod League and with the Collegiate National. Culpepper and Team USA are 7-3 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 .471 average lead Team USA with two triples, three home runs and seven runs batted in. During nine starts, Culpepper is slugging a team-leading .853 and .526 on-base percentage. Culpepper socked two homers in USA's 17-1 defeat over Chinese Taipei. With the Mariners, Culpepper slashed .270/.382/.317 with three doubles, seven RBI, and five runs scored in 17 games. The All-Big 12 honorable mention selection generated six multi-hit games, hitting .258 in the month of July. Harwich 16-21 to sit third in the East Division.
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 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 and earned a position on the league's All-Star team. Day is slashing .250/.337/.348 with six doubles, one home run, six RBI and 10 runs scored. Day has posted multiple hits during seven contests this summer, including going 2-for-4 with a solo blast the day his was drafted. Yarmouth-Dennis clinched a spot in the league's playoffs and currently leads the East Division standings with a 21-16 overall record.
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's average of .273 ranks third on the team with six doubles, two triples, two home runs and a team-leading 20 runs batted in. Jones leads the team in slugging percentage (.481) and on-base percentage (.442) while stealing a second-best 15 bases. The River Riders are third in the Appy West Division with a 20-21 overall record.
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, made four appearances for Team USA, allowing just three hits with four strikeouts during his 3 2/3 innings in relief. He made two appearances during the national training camp, striking out five batters during his two scoreless innings in relief without allowing a hit.
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, earned a position on the league's All-Star Team. Evans and Team Mountain claimed the Futures League All-Star Championship, defeating Team Lake 3-1 Tuesday night. The Olathe, Kan., product has made eight appearances with three starts for the Bees. Evans is 2-1 with a 5.60 ERA, allowing 11 earned runs through 17 2/3 innings with 22 strikeouts. During the league's all-star game, he left opponents scoreless in his 2/3 innings in relief with a strikeout.
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 .253 through 29 games with seven doubles and six RBI. He walked 18 times with 14 runs scored. Karl is slugging .333 with a .383 on-base percentage. The Edmond, Okla., product is hitting .351 in the month of July with 13 hits including five contests with multiple hits. Karl recorded a season-high three hits against the TBolts on July 3, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. The Senators are tied third at 14-22 in the Cal Ripken South Division standings.
Jayden Lobliner – Madison Mallards (Northwoods League) – RHP
Lobliner saw action in 15 games this summer playing with the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League. The upcoming sophomore catcher slashed .180/.439/.197 with a double and four RBI. He posted three multi-hit games and recorded a season-high three hits against Fond du Lac going 3-for-5. The Mallards are third overall in the Great Lakes Division at 29-26 while leading the second half of the season 14-8.
Kyan Lodice – Southern Maryland Senators (Cal Ripken League) – UTL
After starting the summer playing for the Kokomo Jackrabbits of the Northwoods League, Kyan Lodice moved over to play for the Southern Maryland Senators alongside teammate Cadyn Karl. A native of Omaha, Neb., Kyan Lodice is third on the team with a .311 average. He's compiled six doubles, two homers and four RBI while slugging a team-high .578. His last homer came on July 14 with a ninth inning solo blast to level the game 12-12. The Senators are tied third at 14-22 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 33 games, he's turned in a slash line of .194/.344/.265 with five doubles, one triple and 14 RBI. He has drawn 22 walks and scored 21 runs with 18 stolen bases. Kingsport is 21-22 and stands second in the Appy West Division.
Jackson Wentworth – Wisconsin Rapids Rafters (Northwoods League) – RHP
Jackson Wentworth made seven appearances for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League with four starts. The Urbandale, Iowa, native went 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 30-25 overall.
Cole Wisenbaker – North Adams SteepleCats (New England Collegiate League) – LHP
Cole Wisenbaker has made nine relief appearances in relief for the North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate League. He picked up NECBL Pitcher Honor Roll honors on July 17 after tossing three scoreless innings against Bristol with a pair of strikeouts. Wisenbaker ranks fifth on the fifth with an ERA of 1.96 over 18 1/3 innings, issuing nine walks against 16 strikeouts. North Adams is 10-29 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/.275/.255 with two double and two RBI through 19 games. The Sugarland, Texas product has recorded three multi-hit games. The Bravehearts rank second in the league standings with a 33-20 record and are 4-6 in their last 10 games.
Nick English – Pittsfield Suns (Futures League) – Catcher
In nine games, English has produced a slash line of .263/.378/.434 with a team-leading 11 doubles, one triple and seven RBI. English has drawn 14 walks and scored 14 runs as the Olathe, Kan., product has produced six multi-hit games. On July 23, English went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and RBI. Pittsfield is 22-24 with a six-game winning streak 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 .188/.291/.250. Putz has driven in six RBI with six walks and scored seven runs. Pittsfield is 22-24 with a six-game winning streak 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 Baseball | Media Day Press Conference - February 4, 2026
Wednesday, February 04
K-State Baseball | Practice Begins 2026
Tuesday, January 13
K-State Baseball | Fall Ball Recap 2025
Tuesday, November 11
K-State BSB | Postgame Press Conference vs Texas
Sunday, June 01
