Illinois catcher Camden Janik drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates

Another Illini baseball player heard his name called during this week’s MLB Draft. Catcher/outfielder Camden Janik was chosen in the 12th round (No. 354 overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday afternoon.

Janik, a Wauconda High School alum, hit .356 with 7 HR, 49 RBI, and finished with a .973 OPS in 56 games for the Fighting Illini. Janik also had a 33-game on-base streak this season and struck out just 11 times in 225 at-bats.

Janik was named First Team All-Big Ten as well as selected to the ABCA/Rawlings All-America Third Team in 2024.

Illini teammate, pitcher Jack Crowder, was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the ninth round on Monday.

No other players were drafted from Illinois’ Big Ten championship team, which finished 35-21 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.