Devin Burkes Returning for 2025 Season
Kentucky catcher Devin Burkes is returning to Lexington for the 2025 season, he announced Wednesday. He will be a fifth-year senior.
The heart and soul of the team, Burkes will continue to help guide a pitching staff that flourished in the NCAA Tournament during Kentucky’s first-ever trip to the College World Series last month. UK coach Nick Mingione routinely credited Burkes for coaxing the best out of UK’s pitchers, particularly in the most critical moments.
“We wouldn’t be where we are without Devin Burkes,” Mingione said during the Super Regional. “He’s an extension of the coaching staff. He’s tough. He’s competitive. He wills our pitching staff. Devin is an amazing guy and amazing leader.”
The Bradenton, Florida native is considered one of the nation’s top defensive catchers while also leading all Division I catchers in stolen bases with 19 in 2024. For his career, he has swiped 30-of-37 bases.
In 2024, Burkes batted .239 in 60 games with 49 runs, 14 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 35 RBI. He had 30 walks, was hit by a team-high 17 pitches, hit six sacrifice flies and laid down seven sac bunts. Burkes had 12 multi-hit and eight multi-RBI games.
For his career, Burkes surpassed 100 career hits and now has 128 total while batting .275 with 36 doubles, two triples and 15 home runs. He has a career .411 on base percentage.
“We wouldn’t be where we are without Devin Burkes,” Mingione said during the Super Regional. “He’s an extension of the coaching staff. He’s tough. He’s competitive. He wills our pitching staff. Devin is an amazing guy and amazing leader.”
The Bradenton, Florida native is considered one of the nation’s top defensive catchers while also leading all Division I catchers in stolen bases with 19 in 2024. For his career, he has swiped 30-of-37 bases.
In 2024, Burkes batted .239 in 60 games with 49 runs, 14 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 35 RBI. He had 30 walks, was hit by a team-high 17 pitches, hit six sacrifice flies and laid down seven sac bunts. Burkes had 12 multi-hit and eight multi-RBI games.
For his career, Burkes surpassed 100 career hits and now has 128 total while batting .275 with 36 doubles, two triples and 15 home runs. He has a career .411 on base percentage.
