There’s no doubt that last year’s success of Illinois baseball has brought the team some favorable attention from potential recruits. This week, Illinois baseball announced the signing of seven recruits to the program. This is a bird’s eye look but from my view, it is a strong class with athleticism and talent. Their accomplishments so far have shown that.
When I started following Illinois baseball, there were three (talented) players who 5’8″. That’s a bit hard to believe. In the Class of 2025, they are all over six feet.
Who can we expect to eventually grace the diamond at Illinois Field? One hails from Minnesota and two were recruited from community colleges in Iowa. On the other hand, nearby Cisco can boast about another. Five have already declared they will major in business at the university.
There is plenty of postseason experience already in the Class of 2025 and awards to boot. Position breakdowns are this: three infielders, two pitchers and two are infielder/pitchers.
A quick look
Michael Farina
Despite his slight build, Farina has power, leading the Blackhawks in homers in the 2024 season. He has a bit of speed too!
INF
Mundelein, IL
6’1″
Mundelein HS
170
Southeastern CC (IA)
Fun fact: Farina plans to major in criminal justice at the U of I. Call him ‘the Enforcer’.
Aidan Flinn
Flinn is a hard-throwing lefty from Marist. His strikeout figures have gotten the attention of scouts.
LHP
Mokena, IL
6’6″
Marist HS
205
Fun fact: Flinn was also listed as an outfielder at Marist.
Lucas Krebs
Krebs has postseason experience with Edwardsville HS and that is the kind of thing Coach Hartleb is looking for. Players that know how to win.
SS
Edwardsville, IL
6’1″
Edwardsville HS
190
Fun fact: Krebs played on state 4A champ Edwardsville… twice.
Ryan Ohm
A recruit from Iowa Central CC, Ryan Ohm strikes me as a control pitcher who knows how to place his pitches well.
RHP
Rochester, MN
6’3″
Rochester Century HS
205
Iowa Central CC
Fun fact: Ohm didn’t give up a homer until his last game of the 2024 season.
AJ Putty
Not much downside to Putty, a big, hard-hitting slugger who has gotten plenty of accolades already.
1B
McHenry, IL
6’4″
Huntley HS
220
Fun fact: Putty is the #1 first baseman in Illinois according to Perfect Game. Not much more to say.
Jack Wheeler
Wheeler is a multi-faceted player and like Putty, he is rated #1 at his position in the state by Perfect Game.
3B/RHP
Morris, IL
6’5″
Morris Community HS
200
Fun fact: Wheeler had a moment of heroics in the postseason. And another.
Ike Young
Monticello had a banner year in 2024 and Young who lettered in football and basketball as well, was a big part of that.
RHP
Cisco, IL
6’2″
Monticello HS
185
Fun fact
Ike Young hails from Cisco which is a mere 30 miles away.
A fantastic start to the future of Illinois future! I look forward to seeing them all at Illinois Field.