Crowder, Janik chosen in the MLB draft

The MLB draft is now over. The annual draft which took place Sunday evening through Tuesday. It included 20 rounds plus a couple extra supplemental rounds. In all, 615 high school and college baseball players were picked by the thirty MLB organizations.

Two of those players were from the Illinois program.

Jack Crowder

Round 9 – Pick 279 Baltimore Orioles

On Monday, starting pitcher Jack Crowder got the call from the Baltimore Orioles.

There was no doubt that Crowder was the most dependable hurler on the Illini staff in 2024. Without him, Illinois would not have made it as far as the Lexington Regional. In fact, I’m sure Crowder’s clutch performance in Game One at the Regional boosted his stock.

Crowder had a career year in 2024 going 7-2 with a 4.88 ERA and 80 strikeouts. Overall, he had a 15-6 record in 31 starts for the Illinois program.

Camden Janik

Round 12 – Pick 354 Pittsburgh Pirates

As good as he is, Camden Janik has been one of the most underrated players on the team. He does things that some don’t always notice. He makes excellent contact with the ball. He struck out just 11 times in 2024. Camden plays great defense behind the plate and has a good command of the game. He threw out seven of sixteen base stealers this year.

Oh yeah, he also hit .356 to lead the Illini this year. For his career, Janik hit .336 while slugging .533.

There really is no downsides to this gentleman.

Congratulations to both Jack Crowder and Camden Janik!!