Matt Ponatoski, picked by the Cincinnati Reds in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, straight up didn’t sign with the club before the 5 p.m. deadline. That’s right, an MLB draft pick just walked away from the pros. Instead, he’s apparently heading to the Kentucky Wildcats to fulfill his commitment to play both football and baseball. Talk about a curveball!
Two Sports, One Wildcat Commitment
This isn’t some quiet walk-off; Ponatoski was a standout in both football and baseball at Moeller High School, so he’s no stranger to juggling talent. The Reds’ director of scouting, Joe Katuska, confirmed they drafted him as a pitcher. But Ponatoski had said back in June that the MLB draft remained his first option. Well, things clearly changed fast. Now, he’s listed as a freshman quarterback on UK’s football roster, ready to hit the gridiron and the diamond for the Wildcats.
What’s Next for the Dual-Sport Prospect?
So, what does this mean? Ponatoski is trading potential minor league ball for the collegiate stage, playing two high-level sports. He’s made his choice loud and clear. He’s a Wildcat, and it’ll be wild watching him try to dominate both sports in Kentucky.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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