Dee Kennedy Drafted by St. Louis Cardinals
The 2026 MLB Draft delivered a moment of pride for the Kansas State baseball program when shortstop Dee Kennedy heard his name called in the fourth round by the St. Louis Cardinals. The selection marks the latest chapter in a series of Wildcats who have transitioned to professional baseball after distinguished college careers.
Kennedy entered the draft after being recognized as a D1Baseball All‑American Third Team member and climbing to No. 79 on MLB’s Top 250 prospect list. His collegiate performance combined power, speed, and defensive reliability, traits that caught the eye of scouts across the league.
Honors and Rankings
During his junior season at Kansas State, Kennedy anchored the infield with a .312 batting average, 15 home runs and 45 RBIs, while also stealing 22 bases. His All‑American Third Team accolade underscored not only personal excellence but also the program’s resurgence under head coach Josh Ritchi.
The Cardinals, long known for developing versatile middle‑infield talent, view Kennedy as a potential catalyst for their rebuilding effort. General manager John Mozeliak praised the player’s “high‑upside skill set and baseball IQ,” suggesting that the shortstop could see time at both shortstop and second base as the organization evaluates his fit.
A New Chapter for the Wildcats
For Kansas State, the draft pick serves as a recruiting boon, signaling that the program can produce players ready for the highest level of professional competition. Coach Ritchi highlighted the achievement as proof of the team’s development model, noting that future recruits will look to the Wildcats as a launchpad for MLB careers.
Kennedy’s journey from Manhattan, Kansas, to the Cardinals’ farm system also reflects the growing pipeline of talent emerging from the Big 12 conference. His signing bonus, reported to be in the $1.2 million range, will fund community initiatives in both Kansas and Missouri, reinforcing the player’s commitment to giving back.