You know we’re getting close to baseball time when preseason honors are being awarded! In this case, D1Baseball has come out with their 2022 Big Ten Top 30 Prospects and we can find four Illini among them.
So who are they?
Cole Kirschsieper
At #5, Kirschsieper tops the list for the Illini. The lefty is ready for a breakout season in 2022. Cole went 3-4 with a 5.82 ERA but struck out 48 batters in 38 2/3 innings. He also only walked 13 opponents while collecting three saves.
Kirschsieper is ready for more in 2022.
Gallery of Cole Kirschsieper photos
Riley Gowens
Gowens has had some time in the spotlight with the Illini. Between his part as the starting pitcher in the no-hitter last year against Indiana and earning a spot on the All-Big Ten Freshman team, he is already learning the pressures of playing.
Gowens struck out 58 in 50 1/3 innings with a 2-5 record and a 6.08 ERA.
Gowens comes in at #17 on D1Baseball’s prospect list.
Gallery of Riley Gowens photos
Branden Comia
2021 Third team All-Big Team honoree Comia had a productive year at the plate (.323, 34 runs scored). For me personally, he’s one of the most exciting players to watch on the Illini.
Comia comes in at #20. I think it should be higher.
Gallery of Branden Comia photos
Justin Janas
Justin Janas hit .391 last year! That was tops in the entire B1G conference. Not only that, his OBP topped .500 also first in the Big Ten.
The sophomore deservedly earned First Team All-Big Ten honors. D1Baseball ranked him #26 on the list of 30.
Gallery of Justin Janas photos
The Illini are slated to begin their season on February 18 in Corpus Christi, Texas against Kansas. Here is their schedule for 2022.