K-State Baseball Shines in Historic MLB Draft

The most successful MLB Draft in Kansas State baseball history continued today, as two more Wildcats heard their names called. The San Diego Padres selected 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 last night’s historic first-round selection of K-State’s Nick Culpepper, who was taken 21st overall by the Minnesota Twins. His 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 Breakdown

• Tyson Neighbors, RHP (4th Round, #118, San Diego Padres)

  • 2024 Second-Team All-Big 12

  • Posted a 3.96 ERA with nine saves in 22 appearances

  • Struck out 61 batters in 38.2 innings

• Jackson Wentworth, RHP (5th Round, #158, Toronto Blue Jays)

  • Earned All-Big 12 honorable mention

  • 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

Wildcats on the Risehttps://tinyurl.com/479j6dc5

The impressive draft class adds to K-State’s growing national recognition. Following a strong season, the Wildcats have moved up to #17 in the AP Poll, taking advantage of losses by three teams ahead of them in the rankings. While two teams leapfrogged K-State with major wins, the Wildcats remain in a strong position heading into the next phase of the season.