Five Bearcats Named Top Prospects by D1Baseball

CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati baseball team saw five student-athletes highlighted as top prospects and impact freshmen by D1Baseball in the organization's conference preview.

Two Bearcats were represented in the Big 12 Conference prospect ranking for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft, headlined by junior first basemen Tommy O'Connor coming in at No. 33. O'Connor batted .303 (23-for-76) with two doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 19 RBI in 2023. 

Josh Kross, a transfer from Eastern Michigan, came in at No. 38 for the 2024 MLB Draft. He batted .376 (86-for-229) with 43 runs scored, 18 doubles, 15 home runs and 70 RBI. He was named MAC Freshman of the Year, First Team All-MAC and Freshman All-America by College Baseball Newspaper.

In addition, UC had a pair of two-way players recognized on the top prospect list for the 2025 MLB Draft. Christian Mitchelle came in at No. 19, followed by Griffin Hugus at No. 28.

Mitchelle is a transfer from Central Michigan, where he was named All-MAC Second Team after batting .307 (58-189) with 53 runs scored, 13 doubles, three home runs and 29 RBI as a freshman. He also served an important role as a relief pitcher in 2023, making 11 appearances with a 3.18 ERA. 

Hugus, an AAC All-Freshman Team selection in 2023, batted .234 (29-for-124) with seven doubles, one triple, two home runs and 20 RBI. He made 18 appearances on the mound with a 1-2 record and two saves.

Freshman right-handed pitcher Nathan Taylor was selected to D1Baseball's impact freshmen list at No. 23. He was named West Clermont's Most Valuable Pitcher three years in a row and struck out 53 batters in 36 innings as a senior.  

For a full outlook on the Bearcats' upcoming season, fans can read D1Baseball's Big 12 season preview here ($). 

// 2024 SCHEDULE
Cincinnati opens the 2024 campaign and the Jordan Bischel era when the Bearcats travel to Jacksonville for a three-game series on Feb. 16-18. The Bearcats will return home for Opening Day in Cincinnati on Feb. 20 versus Northern Kentucky. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at UC Baseball Stadium.

The 56-game slate includes 30 contests against Big 12 opponents and 10 opponents that made an NCAA Regional appearance last season. UC will play 10 of 12 possible Big 12 opponents for a total of 30 Conference games. The Conference season will begin the weekend of March 8 and culminate on the weekend of May 18.

// SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2024 Cincinnati Baseball season are now on sale! Cincinnati is set to host 26 games inside UC Baseball Stadium this spring, including five series versus Big 12 opponents. Season tickets cost $75 for adults and $50 for children (4-12), seniors (65+), military and UC faculty/staff.
 
To purchase new season tickets, visit cpaw.me/SeasonTickets or call 1-877-CATS-TIX (1-877-228-7849). Group packages and single game tickets will go on sale in early February.