Transferring to Illinois in 2022, right handed pitcher Jack Wenninger is now officially headed to the pros after a 7-4 season on the mound.
In his first year with Illinois Wenninger appeared in 15 games, mainly as a reliever, with an ERA of 5.71. Stepping into a starting role this year, 15 of his 16 appearances began in the first inning which led to over 50 additional innings for the Illinois native. Wenninger was atop the mound for 87.1 innings this season, leading to 79 strikeouts, just 29 walks and only 47 earned runs.
Not just the quantity increased, as Wenninger’s 2023 ERA free fell all the way down to 4.84, nearly an entire run less per nine innings. The consistency was clear, on top of terrific single game performances such as his complete game against Ohio State that saw just one hit and zero walks through nine innings on the mound. Wenninger’s career high 11 strikeout game was also a marvel, as it was accomplished in just five innings versus Youngstown State.
By the time the New York Mets selected Wenninger in the sixth round with the No. 186 overall pick, he was their ninth pick of the draft and seventh pitcher overall. For these reasons, it is currently unclear at which level of the Mets’ development system Wenninger will begin his career in.
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