Kentucky Baseball's James McCoy Enters the Transfer Portal

kentucky-has-second-best-odds-win-clemson-regional-according-multiple-sources — Kentucky's James McCoy (Photo via UK Athletics)

One of the most recognizable names on the Kentucky baseball roster has played his final game as a Wildcat. According to Baseball America’s Jacob Rudner, James McCoy will enter the transfer portal for his final season of college baseball.

McCoy saw a lot of winning during his time in Lexington. He went to three NCAA Tournaments and was one of only two offensive starters who returned from the 2024 College World Series team.

Candidly, McCoy was one of my favorite Wildcats because he did a little bit of everything. A two-way player, Nick Mingione used McCoy as a multi-positional player who oftentimes got called in as a relief pitcher. Unfortunately, one of the final times we saw him in action, he was put on the mound and allowed West Virginia to complete its five-run comeback in the Regional Championship.

McCoy primarily played right field, but also logged time at first base. Over three years, he batted .237, had 18 doubles, 13 home runs, and 62 RBI. He completed 20 2/3 innings as a pitcher, logging a career ERA of 1.74.

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Even though he could not get Kentucky out of a jam in his final game as a pitcher, he finished the season on a high note from the batter’s box. Batting from the four hole, he logged a hit in eight of his final ten games as a Kentucky Wildcat.

JIMMY BOMB 💣💥💪

💻https://t.co/6a1iBmsEhk (@SECNetwork)#WeAreUK x #RoadToOmaha | @j_mccoy2021 pic.twitter.com/T8QkQX0rzr
— Kentucky Baseball (@UKBaseball) May 31, 2024

Kentucky is losing a veteran from a young team. In what was considered a rebuilding year, the Bat Cats nearly punched a ticket to the Super Regional. Hopefully, Nick Mingione can solidify the core of his young roster and add quality pieces from the transfer portal this offseason.

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