LEXINGTON, Ky. — Infielder Ethan Hindle announced he is returning to Kentucky for his fourth season, joining teammates Hudson Brown and Jayce Tharnish in declining MLB draft opportunities to continue playing for the Wildcats, according to UK Athletics.

Hindle, a Delafield, Wisconsin native, made the announcement following the conclusion of the 2026 MLB Draft. His decision comes after Kentucky earned a bid to a school-record fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament, with the Wildcats reaching the regional championship game.

"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."

The junior had an outstanding 2026 season, batting .306 with a 1.050 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. He led the team with 19 doubles and 12 home runs while adding 16 stolen bases without being caught. Hindle was named Southeastern Conference Co-Player of the Week for the fourth week of the season and earned a spot on NCAA.com's official National Team of the Week.

In the NCAA Regional championship game, Hindle delivered a crucial game-tying home run in the eighth inning that nearly sent the Wildcats to their third Super Regional in four years. For his career, he ranks sixth on UK's all-time hit-by-pitch chart with 37 and has been a perfect 28-for-28 on stolen bases, a testament to his aggressive baserunning and speed.