Today, Illinois Baseball released the roster for the 2020 season! And boy, it’s a young team! The FightingIllini.com article gives a very detailed summary of the twelve freshman and six incoming transfers who are joining the best team in the Big Ten.
One name that sticks out is Xavier Watson. Yes, he is the brother of pitcher Cyrillo Watson who was drafted by the Dodger organization this year. Xavier, an infielder, follows in his big brother’s footsteps in his college choice. He chose Illinois because, “I have been around the campus for so long and it felt like home.”
Going into the 2020 season, the Illini will boast only four seniors and six juniors. Of those ten upperclassmen, only four are position players and each of those are incoming transfers.
What does this mean? Sophomore position players like Jacob Campbell, Cam McDonald (shown top), Kellen Sarver and Branden Comia will need to step up and provide leadership on the team. Can they do it? With their experience in the 2019 campaign which included a trip the NCAA Regional, I think they can.
The Illini will also look to senior hurlers Ty Weber, Garrett Acton and Ryan Schmitt to guide this young team. If history is any guide, it also means that the future looks very promising for the young Illini.
Good luck to the Illini! And hey, study hard. Don’t forget to crack the textbook because that’s why you’re here.