Matt Ponatoski is a Cat...for now
When Matt Ponatoski decided to commit to Kentucky, it became a big moment for the Cats who have struggled to get high school quarterbacks. It was also a massive win for Kentucky baseball, as Ponatoski is a top 25 propsect on the baseball diamond. That simple fact is part of the reason Kentucky has to be worried.
Rule 4 Draft
The Rule 4 Draft is MLB's way of allowing teams to select players, and while it does share similarities with other sports' drafts, there are some rules unique to MLB:
- A player can commit to going to the MLB after high school, but does not have to sign with the team that drafts him.
- If a player joins a college team, they only become eligible again after they turn 21 or their Junior of college, whichever comes first.
- If a player attends a junior college, they are eligible anytime during their career while at a junior college.
- If a player is picked within the first 10 rounds of a draft, they will then be subject to a deadline to sign. Teams have until the 1st of August to sign them to a contract. If they player does not sign, they can be eligible to be drafted by another team the next time they become eligible.
In short, if you commit and then attend a D1 school, you are locked in for 3 years in both MLB and NFL drafts. But you could bypass college and head straight to MLB if the contract is right.
So you can see how that would be a big impact to a kid who is both high school baseball and football player of the year in Ohio. Ponatoski for his credit said his goal is to be drafted by both the NFL and MLB. That could happen of if he goes to an MLB team, but it is much more likely to happen if he takes the college route. There have been many examples of that happening. That is good news for Kentucky.
Best cast scenario for the Cats
Russell WIlson was selected straight out of high school by the Baltimore Orioles, but decided to go to NC State. Then after his junior year, before transferring to Wisconsin, he was selcted by the Colorado Rockies. Of course, he ultimately decided to pursue a career as an NFL QB, and that is best case scenario for the Cats.
Worst case scenario
Joe Mauer was a promising 2 sport star in Minnesota and ultimately decided to sign with the Minnesota Twins who selected him number 1 overall. Before that, he had committed to play quarterback for Florida State University.
So, the single biggest threat to Kentucky is not another college team, it's the 2026 MLB Draft, which will take place next July.
Matt Ponatoski is a Cat, for now.