The University of Illinois baseball program has recently been spotlighted by a series of high‑profile selections in the 2026 MLB draft, underscoring its rising stature in collegiate athletics.
A Draft to Remember
Left‑handed pitcher Zach Bates was chosen in the twentieth round by the Los Angeles Dodgers, a pick that follows his transfer from Iowa Central Community College and a solid 2025 campaign that saw him post a 2.83 ERA and eight saves across twenty‑three relief appearances.
Bates’s college journey was interrupted by a 2026 injury that sidelined him for the entire season, yet the Dodgers remain intrigued by his upside and the promise he showed in short bursts.
Joining the Illini after a stint in Iowa, Bates brought a blend of experience and raw talent that caught the attention of scouts, ultimately leading to his selection by one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
Undrafted but Not Overlooked
Right‑hander Regan Hall, hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, signed with the Baltimore Orioles as an undrafted free agent, a move that reflects the team’s willingness to invest in players with high‑ceiling potential.
Over three seasons at Illinois, Hall compiled 185.2 innings with a 6.06 ERA and 148 strikeouts, while his early 2026 performances included a 2.10 ERA and twenty‑three strikeouts in his first five starts before a mid‑season ERA rise to 6.03 in Big Ten competition.
A standout shutout on May 8 against Northwestern highlighted his ability to dominate when it matters most, and the Orioles view him as a projectable prospect who will need mechanical refinement in the minors.
A Pipeline of Talent
The Orioles have capitalized on Illinois’s pipeline, having acquired three rookies from the Fighting Illini since 2024, a trend that signals a strategic focus on nurturing home‑grown arms.
Both Bates and Hall represent the latest wave of Illinois talent heading toward professional baseball, a development that bodes well for the program’s recruiting and development efforts moving forward.