Projecting Kentucky's pitching staff post-fall
The Wildcats have to replace most of their pitching production from the 2024 season.
One of the biggest question marks for the Kentucky baseball program in 2025 will be its pitching staff. The top arms from a season ago — including Trey Pooser, Mason Moore, Cameron O’Brien, Johnny Hummel, Travis Smith and Ryan Hagenow — are gone. In addition to the weekend rotation needing to be replaced, mid-week starter Drew Lafferty did not develop into a future SEC starter and entered the transfer portal after last appearing in a game on April 16.
Although six of the top seven leaders in innings pitched are gone, some bright spots are returning. Relievers Robert Hogan, Jackson Nove and Evan Byers carved out important roles last year and should project as the top bullpen arms again this year. Sophomore Ben Cleaver was impressive in limited action and could be in line for a bigger role in year two. But how Kentucky fares this year on the mound will largely come down to how the newcomers perform.
The Wildcats brought in 16 pitchers between the transfer portal and 2024 recruiting class.
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