HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky University’s baseball team has seen remarkable success in recent years, and standout pitcher Kaden Echeman is now taking the next step in his career after being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2025 MLB Draft on Monday.
Echeman is the first NKU player to be drafted since Trey Ganns was picked by the Boston Red Sox in 2017. Chosen in the 12th round with the 236th overall pick, Echeman is the program’s highest draft selection since Cole Bauml in 2015.
After missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, Echeman returned to lead the Norse pitching staff this year, recording 87 strikeouts over 56 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .220 average. His strong performance earned him a spot on the Horizon League First Team.
The right-hander from Vandalia, Ohio, struck out seven or more batters in eight games this season. One of his best outings came in the Horizon League opener, where he fanned 12 batters over seven innings and gave up just two hits against Purdue Fort Wayne. He also tallied nine strikeouts in a long relief appearance at Wright State.
Echeman becomes the 25th player in NKU baseball history to be drafted by a Major League team.
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