Kansas State shortstop Dee Kennedy was selected to the First Team All‑Central Region by the ABCA/Rawlings, a distinction that highlights his standout performance during the 2026 college baseball season.
The honor places Kennedy among the elite prospects eligible for the upcoming ABCA/Rawlings All‑America squads, which will be announced on June 12, and follows his recent designation as NCBWA Co‑District 6 Player of the Year.
A Season Defined by Consistency and Power
Kennedy concluded his junior year with a .357 batting average, a .461 on‑base percentage and a .733 slugging percentage, numbers that rank among the most impressive in Wildcats history.
He amassed 79 hits, including 20 home runs and 69 runs batted in, while also scoring 70 runs and stealing 22 bases, underscoring his all‑around impact on the lineup.
His .733 slugging percentage sits fourth on the school’s single‑season list, and his 19 multi‑RBI games and 21 multi‑hit outings, four of which featured multiple home runs, illustrate his capacity to change games in an instant.
Beyond the box score, Kennedy became only the fifth player in Big 12 history to finish a season with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, and he is one of just four athletes nationwide to achieve that feat in 2026.
The shortstop’s contributions helped the Wildcats secure a strong campaign, culminating in a regional appearance that reinforced Kansas State’s status as a perennial contender in the conference.
Coaches and teammates alike praised Kennedy’s work ethic and leadership, noting that his performance reflects the program’s emphasis on developing complete hitters who can excel both at the plate and on the bases.
As the college baseball community awaits the All‑America announcements, Kennedy’s name circulates as a leading candidate for multiple national awards, including the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy and the Brooks Wallace Award.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 season now in the books, attention turns to how Kennedy will build on this momentum as he prepares for the next chapter of his career, whether that be a potential professional draft prospect or a return to lead the Wildcats in another championship run.
The upcoming weeks will also bring heightened visibility for Kansas State baseball, as the program seeks to capitalize on the buzz generated by its star player’s accolades and the broader excitement surrounding the sport in the central region.