James McCoy’s usage in 2025 for Kentucky baseball will be very similar to your local summer travel team as he will be used at just about any postion. 

McCoy joins Devin Burkes as the only position players that are returning from the historic 2024 edition of the Bat Cats. 

The redshirt junior has been with the program since 2022, so he has seen the team go from missing the NCAA Tournament in 2022 to competing for a National Championship in Omaha. 

“It’s really cool to see, because, being here for the fourth year, you see everything evolve with not only the people, but the system,” McCoy said.

The switch-hitter appeared in 37 games in 2023 and then saw action in 55 games in 2024. 

The two-way player saw six appearances last season on the mound in which McCoy pitched four scoreless innings. 

His most important outing in 2024 was just one out where he trotted in from right field to earn a save and secure a 7-6 win at Missouri. 

“You know, if he didn’t get that win, you can argue that we don’t win the SEC,” Head Coach Nick Mingione said. “So, it’s just become more and more apparent to us how special he’s on the mound.”

His skipper has confirmed that McCoy will see more innings on the mound this upcoming season, and the coaching staff has tweaked his bullpen to get the most out of his arsenal. 

For McCoy, he is not looking to change much on the mound with the uptick in usage. 

“I’ve worked on some pitches and everything, just a little bit of a repertoire thing,” McCoy said. “Really it’s just kind of the same deal, do what I do best, stick with the bread-and-butter kind of deal, but Nothing too crazy.”

At the plate, McCoy finished the season with .218 average, .369 on-base percentage and a .387 slugging percentage. 

It was an up-and-down year in 2024 for McCoy, which forced him to improve an aspect of his game that had nothing to do with actual action.

“I started getting in touch with some people about the mental side of the game, and mental coaching and everything,” McCoy said. “That really helped me with the ups and downs of the game.”

Another part of this mental journey was remembering that baseball, at its core, is a kid’s game. That reset has allowed McCoy to find a newfound sense of freedom on the diamond. 

One aspect of McCoy’s game that is certainly free is the right arm that he uses to throw out runners attempting to nab another base. 

Few appreciate that arm talent more than the pitchers on the mound. 

“Honestly, for the most part, when he’s getting the ball and there’s a guy you know that’s trying to go first and third or second to home. I’m just begging, begging that he makes that turn, because I know James is going to hose him,” Jackson Nove said. 

McCoy’s overall two-way ability will be on display more in 2025 than in previous years and his teammates are just as in awe of the ability as the fans might be. 

“I don’t know how he does it. Honestly, I’m trying to do one thing and pitch, and it’s hard,” Nove said. “So, for him to balance it is truly incredible.”

So far in 2025, McCoy has added first-base to his laundry list of uses along with right field.

McCoy has yet to take the hill this season, but that could change with the Wildcats’ upcoming five games in six days at Kentucky Proud Park.

So, whether it’s toeing the rubber on the mound, throwing out runners in right, manning first base, or at the plate, the superstitious McCoy will triple lace his cleats for whatever game day may bring his way.