West Virginia Catcher Gavin Kelly Named to Buster Posey Award Midseason Watch List

Kelly is one of 50 catchers across Division I to be recognized for his standout performance this season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:35pm

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West Virginia University sophomore Gavin Kelly has been selected to the Buster Posey Award midseason watchlist. The award is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding college baseball catcher. Kelly is currently batting .415 with 4 home runs, 26 RBIs, and a Big 12-leading 13 doubles in 25 games this season. He has also thrown out 42% of would-be base stealers.

Why it matters

The Buster Posey Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college baseball, recognizing the top catcher in the country. Kelly's inclusion on the midseason watchlist is a significant achievement that highlights his standout performance and establishes him as one of the elite catchers in Division I this year.

The details

Kelly is only the fifth WVU catcher to be named to the Buster Posey Award watchlist, joining a select group of players from the program. He is one of just two catchers from the Big 12 Conference to receive this recognition, alongside Cincinnati's Jack Natili. Through 25 games, Kelly is batting .415 with 4 home runs, 26 RBIs, and a conference-leading 13 doubles. Defensively, he has thrown out 42% of would-be base stealers, cutting down 5 of 12 attempts.

  • Kelly and the Mountaineers return to action on Friday, April 3 for the first of a three-game series against UCF.
  • The Buster Posey Award is presented annually at the end of the college baseball season.

The players

Gavin Kelly

A sophomore catcher for the West Virginia University baseball team, who has been named to the Buster Posey Award midseason watchlist.

Jack Natili

A catcher for the University of Cincinnati, who is the other Big 12 Conference player named to the Buster Posey Award midseason watchlist.

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What’s next

The winner of the 2026 Buster Posey Award will be announced at the end of the college baseball season.

The takeaway

Gavin Kelly's inclusion on the Buster Posey Award midseason watchlist is a significant accomplishment that highlights his standout performance as one of the top catchers in Division I baseball this season. His defensive prowess and offensive production have established him as a player to watch as the season progresses.