With the 2016 MLB Draft currently in progress, three members of the UK baseball team have already had their names called.

After a long and strenuous season that culminated in missing the NCAA Tournament and the resignation of its coach, the Cats now have something to celebrate. Juniors Zack Brown and JaVon Shelby along with senior Kyle Cody were drafted on Friday.

Brown and Shelby were taken back-to-back in the fifth round with picks 141 and 142. While Cody was taken in the sixth round with pick 189. Brown was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers, Shelby was taken by the Oakland A’s and Cody was taken by the Texas Rangers.

These Cats are all greatly deserving of their selections and some may argue that they deserved to be drafted even higher. Cody will now head into the Rangers organization and Brown and Shelby have decisions to make.

Both Brown and Shelby will have to choose between entering the major leagues or returning to Lexington for their senior years. The fifth round is considered as middle ground, making decisions very difficult for those who have the option to return to school, but nonetheless few will be surprised regardless.

For the 2017 Cats’ sake, it would be good to see Brown and Shelby return, but one cannot fault them for leaving and following their dreams.

No matter the outcome, Cats fans cannot forget to appreciate all that Brown, Shelby and Cody have brought to this program.