Kansas State's senior class delivered a pair of milestones as Shintaro Inoue and Miles Smith each agreed to undrafted free‑agent contracts with Major League Baseball organizations.
Inoue, a second baseman who arrived from Japan, concluded his collegiate career by starting all 57 games and delivering a .278 batting average, a .395 on‑base percentage and a .422 slugging percentage, while also collecting 14 doubles, six home runs and 34 runs batted in.
His efforts earned him Big 12 Player of the Week recognition and a spot on the Baseball America Collegiate National Team of the Week, underscoring his impact beyond the box score.
Reliever Miles Smith, a Tennessee native, appeared in 20 relief outings and posted a 7.01 ERA, striking out 31 batters over 34 2/3 innings while holding opponents to a .266 batting average.
A continuing legacy
Both signings mark the fifth and sixth Wildcats from the 2026 roster to secure MLB opportunities, continuing a trend that has seen Kansas State claim four consecutive 30‑win seasons.
The back‑to‑back agreements reflect a sustained pipeline that funnels talent into professional baseball, a trajectory that began with earlier draft picks and now extends to undrafted free agents.
Fans and coaches alike anticipate that this momentum will keep the program competitive, ensuring that future Wildcats continue to make their mark on the national stage.