July 14, 2024

Official University of Kentucky News Release

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky infielder Emilien Pitre has been selected 58th overall in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, completing his journey from a 130-pound projectable talent to top draft pick.

He joins teammate and close friend Ryan Waldschmidt (31st overall, Arizona) as the only two Wildcats both selected in the first 60 picks in the same draft and lowest combined selection pair (89) in program history.

Pitre had been named a Third Team All-American by D1Baseball.com, Third Team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings The Canadian second baseman also previously earned Southeastern Conference All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive season.

Pitre, a junior from Repentigny, Que., starred in all facets of the game. He has been nearly flawless with just two errors in 255 chances this season, a fielding percentage of .992. He forms half the duo of one of the best defensive middle infields in the country and is batting .301 with 57 runs, 20 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 58 RBI, 47 walks and 26 stolen bases, which are the most in a season for a Kentucky player coached by Nick Mingione.

Mingione routinely has called Pitre perhaps the best all-around player he’s coached in his 20 years in college baseball. As the Wildcats’ No. 2 hitter he shined in all facets of the game this season.

Kentucky signee Tyler Bell also was chosen by the Rays in the second round. The draft continues Monday at 2 p.m. E.T. on MLB.com.