Kansas University’s baseball coaches have long been mindful that the MLB Draft can strip the roster of key talent at a moment’s notice.
Two summers ago the program lost six eligible players who opted to sign and turn professional, a reminder of how quickly a draft can reshape a team.
This year the draft kicks off on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, and the likelihood that shortstop Tyson LeBlanc, pitcher Dominic Voegele and left‑fielder/first baseman Brady Ballinger will be selected adds urgency to the roster planning.
New Pitching Additions
The staff has responded by securing three fresh right‑handed pitchers who bring a mix of experience and high‑velocity talent.
Grady Hoke, a 6‑foot starter from Yukon, Oklahoma, arrives after a season in which he posted an 8‑5 record, a 4.21 ERA and 70 strikeouts against just 20 walks.
Riley Lile, also a right‑hander from Sterling, Oklahoma, joins after a relief role that saw him appear in a team‑high 20 games, post a 2.32 ERA and limit opponents to just 18 hits over 31 innings.
Chase Rhodes, a 6‑foot‑4 right‑hander and first‑team all‑conference selection from Illinois, brings a fastball that has reached 96 mph and a season ERA of 0.52 after allowing only four earned runs.
Beyond these newcomers, the program has continued to attract additional pitchers from junior colleges and high schools, positioning the staff to adapt quickly to any draft‑day departures.
Coach Dan Fitzgerald and his assistants have emphasized that the incoming talent will not only fill gaps but also push existing players to elevate their performance, a dynamic that could shape the team’s depth chart through July and into August.