CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Matt Ponatoski will play professional baseball, possibly in his hometown, after being selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the 542nd overall pick in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft.
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| Matt Ponatoski as a pitcher for Cincinnati Moeller. (Photo: Nick Roush/Kentucky Sports Radio/X) |
According to reports, he is not enrolled at Kentucky University, where he signed in December of 2025. He signed to play football and baseball.
He was an Ohio Mr. Football winner in 2024 after his standout junior year playing quarterback for Cincinnati Moeller and now will decide whether to fulfill his commitment to Kentucky or transition to pro baseball.
"The baseball program is extremely proud of Matt for being drafted by the Reds today," said Tim Held, Cincinnati Moeller head baseball coach, to WCPO 9 Sports.
In 2025, Ponatoski earned the award of Gatorade Ohio Baseball Player of the Year and football Player of the Year, due to his performance as both a shortstop, pitcher, and quarterback, although he was drafted specifically as a pitcher.
With their 18th-round pick (No. 542 overall), the @Reds select Archbishop Moeller (OH) right-handed pitcher Matt Ponatoski, No. 208 on the Top 250 Draft prospects list.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 12, 2026
Watch live: https://t.co/h080jbn5Dp pic.twitter.com/FcyUbKHxgP
Matt Ponatoski's selection by the Cincinnati Reds marks an exciting new chapter in his baseball career, showcasing his talent and potential as he steps into the professional arena. This also sets the stage for what could be a promising future in Major League Baseball.
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