The Padres took Kucherak with pick No. 445 from Northwestern University. He was not on our consensus board; however, Kucherak became the first Northwestern player to record double digit home runs in consecutive seasons since Stephen Hrustich in 2021-2022. In 2026, Kucherak was also ranked second with a .295 batting average and led the Wildcats with 27 walks along with 11 stolen bases.