Ira Austin IV brings sidearm deception and late-inning upside to Kentucky
In the 2026 season, Ira Austin IV gave Kentucky a veteran bullpen arm with a funky sidearm delivery, real closer experience, and the kind of strike-throwing look hitters hate: he was named to the preseason Stopper of the Year watch list after allowing just a .205 average at New Orleans in 2025. He fits if you want deception, poise, and a reliever who can attack right away; the downside is that his 2026 Kentucky results were uneven, but he finished with a better run down the stretch, including scoreless regional outings.
