Jaxon Jelkin Selected In Fourth Round By Philadelphia
Kentucky pitcher Jaxon Jelkin was selected in the 2026 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth round with the No. 135 overall pick, the final selection of day one of the 20-round event.
He joined Tyler Bell as the two Wildcats picked on day one. They bring the total to a dozen players taken in the first four rounds for UK in the nine drafts Mingione has been head coach.
Jelkin, from Omaha, Nebraska, was perhaps the most indispensable piece on the roster this season, particularly in conference play. Overall, he went 8-3 with a 4.08 earned run average and a save. He struck out 106 in 97.0 innings and opponents hit just .243 as he turned in seven quality starts (defined as three or fewer earned runs in 6.0 or more innings). He is only the second Wildcat in the past 15 years to strike out 100 or more batters in a season.
Jelkin was sensational down the stretch of the regular season, pitching back-to-back complete games vs. Tennessee and Florida before earning a crucial save vs. Arkansas, all ranked opponents. He completed at least seven innings seven times.
After sitting out the 2025 season while recovering from injury he delivered seven quality starts (defined as three or fewer earned runs in 6.0 or more innings) and had one stretch where he pitched at least 8.0 innings in three of four starts. He had four starts with double digit strikeouts and picked up victories against two 2026 College World Series participants.
JELKIN 2026 HONORS
- Midwest All-Region, First Team (ABCA/Rawlings)
- All-SEC, Second Team (Coaches)
- National Pitcher of the Year Watch List (College Baseball Foundation)
