Kentucky infielder Emilien Pitre has been selected 58th overall in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, marking a significant milestone in his journey from a 130-pound projectable talent to a top draft pick.
Pitre joins his teammate and close friend Ryan Waldschmidt, who was selected 31st overall by Arizona, as the only two Wildcats both chosen within the first 60 picks in the same draft. Their combined selection positions (89) represent the lowest in program history.
Pitre’s impressive accolades include being named a Third Team All-American by both D1Baseball.com and the American Baseball Coaches Association, and Rawlings. The Canadian second baseman also earned a spot on the Southeastern Conference All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive season.
Pitre’s Stellar Performance:
- Defensive Excellence: Pitre, a junior from Quebec, Canada, excelled in defense with just two errors in 255 chances, resulting in a fielding percentage of .992. He is part of one of the best defensive middle infields in the country.
- Offensive Contributions: He batted .301 with 57 runs, 20 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 58 RBI, 47 walks, and 26 stolen bases, the most in a season for a player in the Mingione era.
- Recognition: Head coach Nick Mingione has praised Pitre as perhaps the best all-around player he has coached in his 20 years in college baseball. Pitre, as Kentucky’s No. 2 hitter, excelled in all aspects of the game this season.
Draft Highlights:
- Teammate Selection: Ryan Waldschmidt was selected 31st overall by Arizona, making Pitre and Waldschmidt the only two Wildcats selected within the first 60 picks in the same draft.
- Program Record: The combined selection positions of 89 for Pitre and Waldschmidt are the lowest in Kentucky baseball history.
- Other Selections: Kentucky signee Tyler Bell was also chosen by the Rays in the second round.
The draft continues Monday at 2 p.m. ET on MLB.com, where more Wildcats may join Pitre and Bell in achieving their professional baseball dreams.
