This year, two Illini were chosen in the 2021 MLB Draft. Both were sophomore pitchers and they were picked in Day 3 of the draft.
Who are they? They were the two winningest starters on the 2021 Illini squad, Andrew Hoffmann and Nathan Lavender. Hoffmann was chosen by the Atlanta Braves and Lavender was picked by the New York Mets organization.
Andrew Hoffmann
| Andrew Hoffmann | RHP | Sophomore |
| Round 12 | #367 overall | Atlanta Braves |
Arguably the best, most dominating hurler on the team, sophomore Hoffmann put up a 2.87 ERA through 11 starts.
Hoffmann who was a transfer from John A. Logan Community College, was undefeated with a 3-0 record. His WHIP of 1.02 was second in the conference and his strikeout to walk ratio of 4.27 was third.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching Hoffmann start several times and he has been a joy to watch as a home fan. He really brings it.
For his efforts, Hoffmann was awarded an All-Big Ten Third Team selection in 2021.
Nathan Lavender
| Nathan Lavender | LHP | Sophomore |
| Round 14 | #412 overall | New York Mets |
Lavender (7-2) tied for the conference lead in wins after starting out strong with five victories out of the gate. Like Hoffmann, his K to BB ratio was impeccable. Lavender’s mark of 5.27 K/BB was the highest in the Big Ten.
In fact, Lavender walked 9 less batters in 2021 than in 2019 while pitching twice the number of innings.
Lavender’s career record: 8-4 with a 4.10 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings.
Both Hoffmann and Lavender are sophomores so nothing is definite at this point. Some decisions on both sides will need to made.
Congratulations to both Andrew and Nathan!