I wouldn't say that Nick Mingione's position with Kentucky Baseball was fully questioned after this past season - the man has permanently raised the bar at Kentucky Proud Park - but it's fair to recognize that the Bat Cats season ended in a disappointing way. Fans wanted a proper response, and thus far this offseason, I'd say that Mingione has delivered just that.
With Kentucky's transfer portal class already having taken a comfortable top 10 status, the program, on paper, is recovering fast. Missing out on a Super Regional at home was bound to wound morale, but once again this week, Mingione added another strong piece. RHP Dylan McIntyre is officially a Wildcat.
McIntyre, who announced his own commitment on X, will come to Lexington after a year of experience on the JUCO level. His baseball career began when he earned Second Team All-State honors with the Ryle Raiders (Northern Kentucky) in 2025.
He'd go on to spend a year out west at San Jacinto Junior College before his incoming stint with the blue and white. In eight starts as a true freshman this past season, McIntyre finished with a fair 5-3 record.
#committed pic.twitter.com/7kVZcqFqLp
— Dylan McIntyre (@Dylan_mcintyre1) July 26, 2026
He posted a a 4.20 ERA in 40.2 innings, holding hitters to a .294 rate and striking out 47 batters in the process. McIntyre is a promising young talent with roots in the Bluegrass. His potential to develop under Mingione alone makes his pickup more than worthwhile.
And, on the whole, McIntyre joins what has been a focused effort to overhaul the Bat Cats' bullpen this offseason. Helmets off to Coach Mingione, because this unit looks more polished already.
Dylan McIntyre Adds to Kentucky's Bullpen More Polished Bullpen
Even considering the loss of Oliver Boone in the portal, a usual suspect on the mound for Kentucky, Mingione's returns appear to far outweigh his losses. Besides, Boone was the pitcher that ultimately allowed West Virginia back into the Cats' season-ending loss earlier this year. The BBN may not have a hard time parting with him, after all.
A newcomer like Matt Ponatoski, who will also play under center for Will Stein's football team, is another example of a young talent with a ton of developmental upside. Wheeling back around to the portal, LHP Kale Hammer and RHPs PJ Craig and Mason Snyder only begin to scratch the surface of this new-look unit.
I don't want to get too excited because, as much as I hate to remind everyone, last year's Kentucky team had a preseason ranking and were expected to up the ante for Mingione's tenure. Things don't always go as planned in college baseball, especially in the SEC.
But I also don't want to undersell Mingione's accomplishments this offseason. Dylan McIntyre is another big box checked for a roster that desperately needed fresh faces.
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