Wichita State’s senior catcher mashed at an absurd clip before a season-ending shoulder injury
In the 2026 season, Kaufer was one of the most explosive bats in college baseball, hitting .440 with 11 home runs, 27 RBI, and a 1.747 OPS in just 18 games before shoulder surgery ended his year. Wichita State also credited him as a highly skilled defender, and his transfer-track record plus immediate impact suggest real pro-level upside. If you want a catcher who can change a game with one swing and bring veteran edge behind the plate, Kaufer absolutely belongs on the shortlist.