Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt has been selected 31st overall in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Waldschmidt becomes Kentucky’s seventh first-round pick in program history and the Wildcats’ sixth-highest selection overall. Under UK coach Nick Mingione, three of these first-round picks have been made in just eight seasons, including Evan White (2017) and Zack Thompson (2019).
A junior from Bradenton, Florida, Waldschmidt marks the 36th total draftee in the Mingione era. He is the fifth transfer into the program to be drafted in the past three years, with three others having signed free agent contracts.
Waldschmidt’s 2024 Season Highlights:
- Overcoming Adversity: After a serious knee injury in summer 2023 that threatened his spring season, Waldschmidt achieved an All-American status from Baseball America, Perfect Game, ABCA/Rawlings All-District, and Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference. He also made the Lexington Regional All-Tournament Team and was an Academic All-District honoree.
- Offensive Performance: In 59 games, Waldschmidt batted .333 with 66 runs, 17 doubles, 14 home runs, 46 RBI, 41 walks, 16 hit by pitch, and 25 stolen bases. He achieved a slugging percentage of .610 and an OPS of 1.079.
- Historical Marks: His 25 stolen bases are the second-most in a season during the Mingione era, and his 66 runs are the third-most. His on-base percentage of .469 is the second-highest in the Mingione era.
- Conference Play: Waldschmidt batted over .400 in conference play in 2024, hitting 20 extra-base hits and leading the conference with 19 stolen bases in league games. He had 42 stolen bases in two seasons at Kentucky (60 total in his career), walked more than he struck out, and hit 67 extra-base hits.
Waldschmidt’s remarkable achievements reflect his resilience and talent, making him a standout player in Kentucky baseball history. His selection by the Arizona Diamondbacks marks a significant milestone in his career and adds to the legacy of Kentucky baseball under coach Nick Mingione.
