Kentucky 2024 MLB Draft Projections: Predicting landing spots for Wildcats in MLB 

In what was arguably the University of Kentucky's best season in program history, the Wildcats baseball program was filled with top-tier talent all across the roster. After all, you don't make a run to Omaha without players who can do their job and then some. That is precisely what Wildcats coach Nick Mingione had throughout his team this season.

Led by center fielder Ryan Waldschmidt, this year's draft-eligible class of Wildcats has a few gems in store. Although most of their team will be back next season for another run at the program's first baseball national championship, there are a couple of names that should hear their number called during the draft.

Including Waldschmidt, second baseman Emilien Pitre and pitcher Travis Smith are also draft eligible this year. All three will look to have their names called come draft weekend, which runs July 14-16 this year. What teams could use each of these soon-to-be former Wildcats?

Projected landing spots of 3 Kentucky Wildcats players

#1. Ryan Waldschmidt leads Kentucky's draft class

Potential Teams: Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins

After the excellent season he put together in Lexington, Waldschmidt will likely hear his name called during the first round of this year's draft. He might not be a top 10 pick, but he is almost certainly one of the top 33 picks in the draft. That seems to be pretty evident amongst most draft analysts and mock drafts so far.

His .335 batting average was good enough for second on the team (behind Nick Lopez), while finishing third in home runs with 14 and second in RBIs with 46. He played in 58 of the Wildcats' 61 games, starting 54 of them. Whenever the lights were brightest, Waldschmidt was at his best.

His defense in the outfield was also a bright spot, as he showcased the tools to be a potential starter in any of the three outfield positions in the majors. In a class filled with offensive firepower, Waldschmidt's prowess in all areas of his game stands out, and he will likely be a first-rounder in the 2024 MLB draft.

#2. Emilien Pitre looks to make his mark in majors

Potential Teams: New York Yankees, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants

The only player to start and play in all 61 games for Kentucky, Pitre was often the table setter for the Wildcats' lineup. He led the team with 26 steals in 35 attempts and hit a shade under .300 for the season (.298). He was also recently named Third Team Academic All-American for his achievements in the classroom, which is something a lot of major league teams will like.

Despite not having the most pop, Pitre still hit nine home runs and drove in 57 runs, putting up a slugging percentage of .506. Not bad for a middle infielder, who most teams value more for their defense than their offense.

Pitre also performed well in that department, amassing a fielding percentage of .992 and only two errors all season. Sure hands are something that would undoubtedly come in handy for a franchise such as the New York Yankees, which may be looking for a long-term solution at the keystone.

Whether it's the Yankees, Mets or another team looking for a potential starting second baseman, Pitre will likely have his name called on day two. If that's the case, he could be a major steal.

#3. Travis Smith could hit the majors quickly

Potential Teams: Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies and Detroit Tigers

Appearing in 12 games and starting in six of those, Smith could be a valuable swingman at the major league level. In an era where pitching staff specialization has become more and more a thing of the past, the soon-to-be former Wildcat could quickly make the jump to the majors. It all depends on how quickly he moves through the minors.

His ERA might not be much to look at (6.21), but Smith does have some promise. If he's drafted by the right team, then a role in a major league bullpen, or possibly a rotation, could very well be in his future. Although he has an outside shot of going on day two, Smith will most likely be taken on day three of this year's draft.