Reds' Matt Ponatoski draft pick has clock ticking for Kentucky football QB commit with deadline looming

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Reds' Matt Ponatoski draft pick has clock ticking for Kentucky football QB commit with deadline looming originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Matt Ponatoski has a decision to make.

Will he sign with the Cincinnati Reds? Or will he follow through on his commitment to play quarterback at the University of Kentucky?

This was always a question looming, sort of, but now it's real: The Reds chose Ponatoski in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

It's not that Ponatoski is an 18th-round talent, but because of the possibility of losing him to play college football, Cincinnati (and every other team) opted not to take Ponatoski earlier.

The Reds will surely still try to convince Ponatoski to sign.

Ponatoski plays locally at Archbishop Moeller High School, and the UK-commit is surely well aware that Kentucky has signed a top QB, Jake Nawrot, in the Class of 2028.

“I want to be a professional baseball player as fast as possible,” Ponatoski told OverslotBaseball.com in June. “That’s where my heart’s been, and it’s always been.”

So what comes next?

MORE: Barry Bonds' nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB Draft

Matt Ponatoski's Reds signing deadline vs. Kentucky QB choice​

Ponatoski has until 5 p.m. on July 27 to sign his baseball contract, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

He had planned on being a two-sport athlete at Kentucky, but when Mark Stoops was replaced by Will Stein, there's a chance that plan changed.

Ponatoski's next decision will be telling, and he has about two weeks to make it.

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