Illinois Baseball Program Nets Dual Draft Success
The 2026 MLB draft highlighted two Illinois alumni heading to professional contracts, underscoring a growing pipeline between the university and the majors.
Jul 27, 2026
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Zach Bates
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Zach Bates across Baseball.
Illinois Baseball Draft Prospects Turn Professional
Two Illinois pitchers, Zach Bates and Regan Hall, have taken divergent paths into the 2026 MLB draft and subsequent signings, highlighting the program’s growing influence on the professional stage.
Jul 27, 2026
Nebraska Transfer Zach Bates Selected by Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB Draft
Zach Bates, who earned third‑team All‑Big Ten honors at Illinois, was picked 613th overall by the Dodgers after a season cut short by Tommy John surgery. Teammates Ty Horn and Carson Jasa also found homes with the Reds and Cubs, underscoring the Cornhuskers’ rising draft presence.
Jul 27, 2026
Zach Bates Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers After Injury Setback
Selected in the 20th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, Zach Bates returns from a season‑long injury to become the first Fighting Illini drafted by the Dodgers since 2019.
Jul 13, 2026
Nebraska Baseball Standout J’Shawn Unger Earns Spot in 2026 USA National Team Camp
Relief pitcher J'Shawn Unger, who posted 13 saves and a 4.05 ERA last season, will join the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team training camp in North Carolina, while Nebraska adds standout Kellan Burke to its 2027 roster.
Jun 29, 2026
Nebraska Baseball Bolsters Bullpen with Transfer Pitcher Zach Bates
After a standout 2025 season cut short by injury, right‑hander Zach Bates joins Nebraska’s roster, adding veteran depth and a proven track record to the bullpen.
Jun 16, 2026
Nebraska Baseball reshapes its roster ahead of summer deadline
The Huskers are finalizing a roster that blends experienced returnees with a wave of newcomers, navigating departures and arrivals through the open transfer portal.
Jun 15, 2026
Nebraska Baseball Rebuilds After Record Season, Eyes Future Success
Nebraska baseball is reshaping its roster after a 43‑win season and an NCAA Regional appearance, adding four transfers and returning 25 players while emphasizing pitching development.
Jun 14, 2026