Sports Spotlight – Kaden Carpenter

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – When his college baseball season at the University of Utah ended, Kaden Carpenter needed a place to play for the Summer: his advisor called Badlands Manager, Jordan Price.

“He gave me a call and said, Kaden’s looking for a spot last second and we had room and it was a no-brainer for me. Kaden’s a great teammate, great guy so we got him as soon as we could,” said Badlands manager Jordan Price.

“At the end of the season at Utah, I was trying to find a place to play. After talking to some of my people back home, we found a place with JP and the Big Sticks,” said Kaden.

The place Kaden typically finds himself in is right in the heart of the Badlands lineup.

“He’s definitely a difference maker for us he’s right in the middle of our lineup and he’s already gotten off to a very hot start, so he’s fun to watch play,” said Price. “He brings that leadership role for us, a lot of those guys from the bigger schools do. We’ve got talent at all levels but Kaden definitely is a special piece for our team.”

“He’s a dirtbag, is what I call him, he plays his heart out on the field, great guy on and off the field. He just plays with so much heart, one of the best guys to be around on the field I would say,” said Big Sticks outfielder Dane Jones.

When Kaden returns to Utah, the Utes will be preparing for their first season in the Big 12 since departing the Pac-12. The departure of the University of Utah, along with other big-name schools that jumped to other conferences, has left the Pac-12 on life support.

“Seeing it be gone, it’s sad, it’s kind of the end of so many different traditions and a conference of champions,” said Kaden Carpenter, Badlands Outfielder/DH.

With that being said, playing in the Big 12 presents an exciting, brand-new challenge for Kaden.

“Oh, I can’t wait. As an athlete, the way I look at it is you’re going to new stadiums, you’re going to meet new players, play against new players, it’s a different type of competition and it’s gonna be a fun challenge to attack head-on,” said Kaden.

It won’t be too long before the next level gives Kaden the call. D1 Baseball has him ranked as the No. 12 2025 MLB Draft Prospect out of the Pac-12.

“That’s the goal I’ve been trying to fulfill. At the same time, it’s something that will take care of itself when the time is right. Right now I’m not worried about it, I’m worried about my growth and enjoying the moment and being just present,” said Kaden.

So, the next chapter of this story is up in the air, for now at least. In the present, Kaden is a ball player for the Badlands Big Sticks.

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