K-State Baseball Makes History in MLB Draft
The most successful MLB Draft in Kansas State baseball history continued today, as two more Wildcats were selected. The San Diego Padres drafted reliever Tyson Neighbors with the 118th overall pick in the fourth round, followed shortly by Jackson Wentworth, who was taken by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 158th pick in the fifth round.
This follows Nick Culpepper’s first-round selection last night, as he was taken 21st overall by the Minnesota Twins. Culpepper’s selection ties him with Jordan Wicks as the highest-drafted player in school history (excluding supplemental and January drafts). Neighbors now ranks as the seventh-highest selection in program history.
Wildcats' Draft Recaphttps://tinyurl.com/479j6dc5
Tyson Neighbors, RHP (4th Round, #118, San Diego Padres)
Posted a 3.96 ERA with nine saves in 22 appearances
Struck out 61 batters in 38.2 innings
Named Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2024
Jackson Wentworth, RHP (5th Round, #158, Toronto Blue Jays)
Finished 2024 with a 5-6 record, 4.24 ERA, and 115 strikeouts in 87 innings
Held opposing hitters to a sub-.230 batting average
Earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention
Wildcats Climbing the Ranks
Following a strong season, K-State has moved up to #17 in the AP Poll. Losses by three teams ahead of them helped the Wildcats climb, though two teams made significant jumps to surpass them.
Despite not being perfect, the Wildcats are proving their strength, and this historic draft class only adds to the momentum for K-State baseball.
