The 2026 MLB Draft concluded with a flurry of signings, and two Kansas State Wildcats alumni have already secured professional contracts that will take them from the collegiate diamond to the major leagues.
A standout season
Shintaro Inoue, a second baseman who arrived on campus from Japan, completed a senior campaign that was nothing short of prolific. He started every one of the Wildcats' 57 games, posted a .278 batting average, a .395 on‑base percentage and a .422 slugging percentage, and his consistency earned him Big 12 Player of the Week honors as well as a spot on the Baseball America Collegiate National Team of the Week.
Right‑hander Miles Smith, who served primarily as a reliever, appeared in 20 games and logged a 7.01 ERA while finishing the season with a 2‑5 record. His performance on the mound caught the attention of the Washington Nationals, who moved quickly to add him to their roster.
Both players will begin their professional journeys with different MLB organizations — Inoue joining the Athletics and Smith signing with the Nationals — marking a significant milestone in their careers and underscoring the growing pipeline of talent from Manhattan to the majors.
The Wildcats capped the season with a 30‑27 overall record, extending their streak of four consecutive campaigns that each featured at least 30 wins. The achievement reflects the program’s sustained competitiveness and the effectiveness of its development strategy.
The signings also highlight the role of scouting platforms such as Baseball America, which recognized Inoue’s performance with a weekly honor, and the broader reach of Major League Baseball in evaluating collegiate talent. As the two former Wildcats embark on their professional paths, they join a long line of Kansas State alumni who have successfully transitioned to the big leagues.