A pair of hard-throwing right-handed pitchers, Minooka’s Mike Foltynewicz and Rock Falls alum Seth Blair of Arizona State, are expected to be the first high school and college player from Illinois to be selected in the three-day Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft that begins with the first round at 6 p.m. Monday. Rounds two through 30 will be held Tuesday, followed by 31 through 50 Wednesday.
Baseball America ranks two other players with Illinois roots, Eastern Illinois pitcher Josh Mueller and Wabash Valley Community College outfielder Mel Rojas Jr., among its top 200 prospects heading into the draft. Here’s a list of players from Illinois high schools and colleges likely to get drafted, with their Baseball America ranking where applicable.
HIGH SCHOOL
Mike Foltynewicz, Minooka, RHP (44)
Committed to Texas but in line for big pay day.
Ryan Hartman, Mount Zion, RHP
EIU commit could go in first 10 rounds.
D.J. Snelten, Lakes, LHP
6-6 lefty likely to be picked at some point in Day 2; will play for Minnesota if he doesn’t sign.
Mark Payton, St. Rita, OF
Great tools but only 5-8; he’d be a no-brainer with another few inches.
Chad Green, Effingham, RHP
Likely late-round pick could opt for Louisville instead.
Mike Hollenbeck, Joliet, C
Ranked highest among three ISU recruits who may get drafted.
John Lieske, Machesney Park Harlem, RHP
ISU recruit consistently clocks in over 90.
Others: Connor Sadzeck, Crystal Lake Central, RHP. Jake DePew, Granite City, C. Ryan Scarpetta, Rockton Hononegah, RHP. Kevin Koziol, Brother Rice, SS/3B. Jeff Jackson, Wauconda, C. Brock Stewart, Normal West, 3B.
COLLEGE
Seth Blair, Arizona State, RHP (34)
Rock Falls product, PAC-10 pitcher of the year hoping to slip into first round.
Mel Rojas Jr., Wabash Valley CC, OF (135)
Son of former Expos and Cubs closer will be Wabash Valley’s highest pick ever.
Josh Mueller, Eastern Illinois, RHP (150)
Shoulder issue dropped Columbia HS product’s stock.
Eric Jokisch, Northwestern, LHP
Taken in 39th round out of Virginia (IL) HS, he’ll go much higher this time.
Patrick Cooper, Bradley, RHP
Junior pitched much better in Cape Cod League than for the Braves.
Mike Giovenco, North Park, RHP
Former UIC pitcher drafted in 26th round last year.
Chuck Ghysels, Lincoln Trail CC, RHP
Only 5-10 but can throw 95.
Kevin Tokarski, Illinois State, 2B
Redshirt sophomore led Redbirds to NCAA tournament; likely to remain a Redbird.
Others: Mike Recchia, Eastern Illinois, RHP. Adam Eggemeyer, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, OF. Danny Winkler, Parkland, RHP. Kevin Kiermaier, Parkland, OF. Michael Mosby, Wabash Valley, 3B. Tyler Oliver, Wabash Valley, 1B. Bryant George, Southern Illinois, RHP. Chad Noble, Northwestern, C. Patrick Flanagan, Rend Lake CC, RHP. Chris Razo, Heartland, RHP.
