Buzz is building for new Kentucky outfielder Jayce Tharnish

1DX_6866.CR2 — University of Kentucky Baseball vs. Texas at Kentucky Proud Park on April 11, 2025 - Crawford Ifland, Kentucky Sports Radio

One of Kentucky baseball’s biggest transfer portal additions came from the A-10. Jayce Tharnish is expected to be a plug-and-play starter in the outfield at Kentucky Proud Park. Expectations are very high for the Pennsylvania native.

The big addition is off to a hot start in fall ball.

Jayce Tharnish (@JayceTharnish) announced himself in a big way in @UKBaseball's 14-inning exhibition against West Virginia.

3-for-6
4 Runs
3 RBIs
2 BB
2 SB
HBP
2B
HR pic.twitter.com/DVKkOSYyAW
— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) October 9, 2025

Tharnish had a huge day at the plate in last weekend’s scrimmage versus defending Big 12 champion West Virginia. The redshirt junior made seven plate appearances, reached base five times, recorded a pair of extra-base hits, knocked in three runs, and stole two bags. Tharnish batted leadoff and played left field. That was the same position and spot in the batting order as first-round pick Ryan Waldschmidt. Could Tharnish make a similar impact?

Jayce Tharnish slashed .403/.461/.597 for Saint Bonaventure in 2024 with 11 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, and 29 RBI. The outfielder also recorded 32 stolen bases playing in the Atlantic 10. The big Kentucky addition earned second-team all-conference honors in the A-10.

Kentucky needed to find some more pop in the lineup during the offseason. The hope is that Jayce Tharnish can bring consistent production as a right-handed bat at the top of UK’s lineup. Tharnish is off to a fast start in fall ball.

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Fall ball is off and running. The baseball season is slowly inching closer as Mingione and his squad will attempt to make another run to Omaha in 2026.

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