Ethan Hindle Returning to Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Infielder Ethan Hindle is returning to Kentucky for his fourth season in Lexington, he announced.

The Delafield, Wisconsin native capped the 2026 MLB Draft by informing UK’s coaching staff he will join teammates Hudson Brown and Jayce Tharnish in returning to the program after back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances.

“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be returning to Kentucky,” Hindle said. “Big Blue Nation has become family and I’m incredibly thankful for my coaches, teammates and everyone who makes this place special.

“We’re building something special and I’m excited to be a part of it. The job’s not finished.”

Hindle had a sensational season in 2026, batting .306 with a 1.050 OPS, 30 walks, 16 HBP and 16 stolen bases in as many attempts. He led the team with 19 doubles, 12 home runs, tied for the lead with three triples and was second on the squad with 52 runs scored.

He added 17 multi-hit and a team-best 17 multi-RBI games.

Hindle was the Southeastern Conference Co-Player of the Week for week four and was named to NCAA.com’s official National Team of the Week the same time. Hindle hit a game-tying home run in the eighth inning of the regional championship game that nearly vaulted the Cats into their third Super Regional in four years.

For his career, he ranks sixth on UK’s all-time HBP chart with 37 and is a perfect 28-for-28 on stolen bases.