Kentucky’s lefty anchor with SEC-ready poise
In the 2025 season, Ben Cleaver emerged as Kentucky’s most dependable starter, going 6-3 with a 3.25 ERA, 92 strikeouts in 83.0 innings, and a team-best seven quality starts, while holding opponents to a .185 average and left-handers to .165. He was also voted preseason Second Team All-SEC for 2026, a strong sign the league sees him as a real weapon, not just a one-year flash. What makes him interesting: he’s a strike-thrower with legitimate swing-and-miss stuff, showed he can handle big moments, and looks like a solid fit for a team needing a composed, high-upside LHP.
