After a record-breaking 2024 season that saw the Cats finish 46-16 (22-8 SEC), win the SEC, reach the College World Series, and a No. 3 final ranking, Kentucky Baseball is ready to build on its best-ever campaign. Under the leadership of Coach Nick Mingione—now in his ninth season with an impressive 264-166 record—the Wildcats are entering 2025 with a mix of experienced players and 29 newcomers ready to make their mark.
The offense season preview
Last season, Kentucky’s offense dazzled fans with its dynamic “look-see-do” style, smashing 88 home runs and stealing an SEC-leading 119 bases. With a team OBP of .401—ranked fifth in the conference—the Wildcats proved they could win in several ways, all of them fun to watch. The projected 2025 lineup features key offensive players such as:
- Dylan Koontz (transfer first baseman from Campbell), expected to bat in the heart of the order.
- Luke Lawrence (middle infielder from Indiana State) and Cole Hage (outfielder from Columbia), who bring solid hitting and leadership.
- Will Marcy (outfielder from Memphis) and Shaun Montoya (outfielder from San Diego State) are set to add depth to the outfield.
- Freshman Tyler Bell—the highest draft pick to reach campus in Lexington—who is projected to play a pivotal role.
The pitching staff: Experience meets the high hopes of emerging talent
On the mound, the Wildcats relied on upperclassmen to achieve the sixth-best ERA in the SEC. For 2025, the rotation looks to be anchored by:
- Nic McCay from South Dakota State, whose career season in 2024 featured a 3.64 ERA, 96 strikeouts, and a low-to-mid 90s fastball with great break. McCay’s performance will be crucial as he looks to lead Kentucky’s pitching staff.
- Scott Rouse from Radford and Ethan Walker from Longwood are also expected to be key rotation members, providing additional innings and depth to the staff.
- The bullpen, bolstered by experienced arms and fresh faces, will aim to maintain the level of consistency that helped the Cats post a strong season last year with a new lineup.
A new deal and the high-risk, high-reward model
With 29 newcomers joining the team this season, Kentucky is embracing a high-turnover model that has paid dividends in recent years. While this influx of new talent introduces some uncertainty, Coach Mingione’s strategy has delivered results the last two years. The Wildcats are banking on these fresh faces—alongside proven veterans—to keep the momentum going.
Notably, the program also signed four players from the transfer portal who ultimately went pro (Matthew Watson, Trent Youngblood, Jackson Strong, and Ryan Verdugo), further highlighting the depth and quality of Kentucky’s recruiting efforts.
The path to Omaha: Building on success
Kentucky’s recipe for postseason success is well established. With super regional appearances in the last two seasons and a College World Series debut in 2024, the Wildcats have demonstrated they know how to win when it matters most. If everything clicks as it did in recent years, Kentucky could once again emerge as a late-postseason powerhouse, ready to challenge for a deep run in the playoffs.
Final thoughts
The 2025 season promises to be an exciting chapter for Kentucky Baseball. With a blend of veteran leadership, a dynamic offensive approach, and a revitalized pitching staff bolstered by promising newcomers, the Wildcats are poised to build on their historic 2024 season. While the high turnover introduces some risk, the potential reward is enormous—a continued presence among college baseball’s elite and another shot at postseason glory.