By Jayson Henderson

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State infielder Kaelen Culpepper was selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2024 MLB Draft, becoming the program’s first positional player taken in the first round. Culpepper, from Memphis, Tenn., is the second Wildcat in school history to be drafted in the first round, joining Jordan Wicks (2021).

Culpepper was the fifth shortstop selected in this year’s draft and third player from the Big 12. In his junior season, he was named All-American Second Team and led the Big 12 in triples. He finished with a .328 average, 15 doubles, 11 home runs, and 59 RBI.

Culpepper’s selection highlights a stellar career, including being a Gold Glove Finalist and leading K-State to the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Pete Hughes praised Culpepper for his dedication and impact on the team. Culpepper’s career at K-State includes a .314 batting average and 26 home runs.