A New Era Begins In Lexington

Kentucky Wildcats Baseball: The 2018 Season Preview

A New Era Begins in Lexington

After a disappointing 2017 campaign, the Kentucky Wildcats baseball team is looking to turn things around in 2018. With a new head coach in Nick Mingione, the Wildcats are hoping to return to their winning ways and make a run at the College World Series.

A Look at the Roster

The Wildcats return a number of key players from last year's team, including All-SEC performers Evan White and Luke Becker. White, a junior first baseman, is one of the best hitters in the country and is projected to be a high draft pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. Becker, a senior outfielder, is a speedy leadoff hitter who can also steal bases.

In addition to White and Becker, the Wildcats also welcome a talented group of newcomers, including junior college transfer Jordan Brown and freshman pitcher Cole Stupp. Brown is a power hitter who is expected to provide some pop in the middle of the lineup, while Stupp is a hard-throwing right-hander who could be a key part of the Wildcats' rotation.

The Schedule

The Wildcats open the season with a three-game series at home against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. They then play a pair of games at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, California, before returning home to host the Louisville Cardinals.

The Wildcats' SEC schedule is highlighted by a three-game series at Vanderbilt and a two-game series at Florida. They also host LSU, Arkansas, and Missouri at home.

The Outlook

The Wildcats have a lot of talent on their roster, but they will need to play together as a team in order to be successful. If they can do that, they have the potential to be a dangerous team in the SEC and make a run at the College World Series.