Bear Madliak brought real pop to K-State’s lineup in 2026
In the 2026 season, Kansas State catcher Bear Madliak emerged as a middle-of-the-order threat, earning national Catcher of the Week honors after a big stretch and finishing as a 2026 MLB Draft pick by the A’s. He’s a sturdy, right-handed catcher with power, run production, and a knack for timely damage—think multi-homer games, big RBI nights, and a tough, veteran presence behind the plate. If you want a catcher who can punish mistakes and bring energy, he fits; if you need elite contact skill, that’s not his headline trait.
