Ryan Jeffery Waldschmidt (born October 7, 2002) is an American professional baseball outfielder in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

Ryan Waldschmidt
Arizona Diamondbacks
Outfielder
Born: (2002-10-07) October 7, 2002 (age 22)
Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right

Amateur career

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Waldschmidt attended Braden River High School in Bradenton, Florida.[1] He started his college baseball career at Charleston Southern University. As a freshman in 2022, he started 48 of 52 games and hit .310/.485/.559 with nine home runs and 43 runs batted in (RBI). After the season, he transferred to the University of Kentucky. In his first year at Kentucky, he played in 59 games and hit .290/.427/.445 with five home runs and 37 RBI.[2] After the season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League for four games before suffering a torn ACL.[3][4] He returned from the injury in 2024 to hit .333/.469/.610 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI over 59 games.[5]

Professional career

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Waldschmidt was considered a top prospect for the 2024 Major League Baseball draft.[6][7] The Arizona Diamondbacks subsequently drafted him with the 31st overall selection.[8] On July 24, 2024, Waldschmidt signed with Arizona on a $2.9 million contract.[9]

References

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  1. ^ "MLB Draft: Braden River graduate Ryan Waldschmidt taken by Arizona Diamondbacks with 31st pick". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  2. ^ Kentucky baseball’s Ryan Waldschmidt solidifies himself as serious hitting threat
  3. ^ Kentucky's Waldschmidt goes from torn ACL to cusp of 1st round in 1 year
  4. ^ "Ryan Waldschmidt". pointstreak.com. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  5. ^ Former Pirates baseball star makes national waves at Kentucky
  6. ^ "NEW: Top 100 Draft prospects for '24". MLB.com.
  7. ^ Kentucky baseball players from CWS team among top prospects in 2024 MLB Draft
  8. ^ Weiner, Alex. "Diamondbacks take Kentucky OF Ryan Waldschmidt with No. 31 pick in MLB Draft". arizonasports.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  9. ^ "Notable Draft Signings: 7/24/22". mlbtraderumors. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
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