The 2024 MLB season officially starts today with MLB Opening Day, and there is only one former Illinois baseball player who is carrying the torch at the highest level.
Over the past decade, the Illini have had numerous players selected in the MLB Draft, but it looks like there will only be one Illinois player making an MLB roster to start the season.
Michael Massey is carrying the torch for the Orange and Blue. He is entering his third full season with the Kansas City Royals. Last year, he played in 129 games and batted .229 and slugged .381. He, as well as his team, is looking to improve on a down 2023.
Both Massey and the Royals didn’t have a good season last year. Massey’s consistence slumped a bit, but his power numbers did see a slight boost. Kansas City wants a better season too, as they only finished 59-106 in 2023. The team will rely on a solid one-two punch of Massey and superstar Bobby Witt Jr.
That one-two punch will have to wait a bit, though. Massey is starting the 2024 season on the 10-day IL with a lower back strain. But all great things are worth the wait.
Illinois baseball has numerous players waiting for their chance to make an MLB roster
Massey is doing a great job trying to build an MLB career with the Royals, and there are plenty of other former Illini players waiting for their chance to shine in the big leagues.
Here is a list of the former Illinois players who are currently in a minor league system trying to work their way up. There could be a few that I have missed, but I think I have the list correct.
Joey Gerber – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees AAA)
Andy Fisher – Chattanooga Lookouts (Cincinnati Reds AA)
Ty Weber – Eugene Emeralds (San Francisco Giants High A)
Andrew Hoffman – Omaha Storm Chasers (Kansas City Royals AAA)
Nate Lavender – Syracuse Mets (New York Mets AAA)
Jack Wenninger – FCL Mets (New York Mets Rookie-Level)
Riley Gowens – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Chicago White Sox A)
Cole Kirschsieper – Jupiter Hammerheads (Miami Marlins A)
Justin Janas – Rome Emperors (Atlanta Braves High A)
Jacob Cambell – Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres A)
Aidan Maldonado – Carolina Mudcats (Milwaukee Brewers A)
Garrett Acton – FCL Rays (Tampa Bay Rays Rooke-Level) – Tommy John surgery out for 2024