HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky baseball has enjoyed a historic run over the last three years, and a major key to their success in 2025 is headed to the professional ranks as Kaden Echeman was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2025 MLB First Year Player Draft on Monday.
Echeman is the first Norse since Trey Ganns (2017, Boston Red Sox) to be drafted by an MLB team. A 12th round pick (236th overall), Echeman is the highest draft pick for the Norse since Cole Bauml in 2015.
This past season, Echeman returned after missing all of 2024 with injury to lead NKU's pitching staff with 87 strikeouts in just 56 innings. Opponents hit just .220 against him on the season, as Echeman picked up a Horizon League First Team honor for his efforts.
The right-hander from Vandalia, Ohio, struck out seven or more batters eight times last season. His finest hour came in the Horizon League opener, where he struck out 12 over seven innings while allowing only two hits vs. Purdue Fort Wayne. He later struck out nine in long relief at Wright State.
Echeman is the 25th Norse in program history to be drafted by an MLB Team.
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