BREAKING NEWS!!! A Super Outstanding Outfielder Has Been Singled Out Unexpectedly For MLB Draft In 2024…
Former Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt has been chosen by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 31st pick in the PPI round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
Waldschmidt appeared in 59 games for the Wildcats this season, starting 55 of them. The junior posted a .333 batting average and a 1.079 OPS in 213 at-bats. He scored 66 runs, recorded 71 hits, hit 14 home runs, and had 46 RBIs and 41 walks. These numbers marked an improvement from his 2023 stats, where he hit .290 with an .872 OPS in 200 at-bats over 59 games.
His 25 steals were the second-highest in the Nick Mingione era, and his 66 runs ranked third in the program since 2017. He batted over .400 across two seasons of SEC play.
“Every weekend you’re playing top competition,” Waldschmidt said on MLB Tonight. “You’re playing the best of the best every weekend. There’s no inning you can ever take off, because the other team will capitalize on it.”
Despite tearing his ACL during the 2023 Cape Cod League, which limited his play early in the season, Waldschmidt returned strong, leading the team with a .357/.487/.654 slash line entering the NCAA Tournament.
According to his MLB Draft scouting report, few players in the Draft can match Waldschmidt’s contact ability, patience, and high exit velocities. His right-handed stroke has improved, and he effectively uses the entire field, though he favors driving balls to his pull side.
The report also mentions his improved but sometimes tentative outfield run times, suggesting a potential move to center field due to his quickness. Waldschmidt has shown defensive versatility, having played primarily third base during his season at Charleston.
After transferring to Kentucky following his freshman year in 2022, Waldschmidt is now pursuing his dream of playing in the big leagues as the latest Wildcat drafted into the MLB.
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