Illinois saw two right-handed pitchers selected Monday in the closing rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft. The San Diego Padres selected Tyler Schmitt with the 520th pick, while the Texas Rangers tabbed Julius Sanchez 15 slots later.
In his first season with the Illini, Schmitt was the staff’s workhorse. He led the team in starts (15) and innings (80.2) while posting a 4.80 ERA.
The right-hander found his rhythm as the season progressed, covering seven or more innings in four of his final seven starts. Schmitt ended the regular season with a seven-inning quality start against Ohio State.
In the Big Ten Tournament, Schmitt turned in another seven-inning quality start in Illinois’ 6–5 victory over Michigan. His nine strikeouts against the Wolverines in that game represented his season high.
After the season, Schmitt made two starts in the Cape Cod League for the Brewster Whitecaps. He posted a 3.86 ERA across seven innings while striking out seven.
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Sanchez made just three appearances this season. He compiled a 4.50 ERA across 16 innings while striking out 17 and walking three.
In his first start this year, Sanchez fanned 10 across seven innings against Abilene Christian. Over three seasons with Illinois, Sanchez racked up 62 strikeouts in 79.1 innings.
Sanchez is the first Illinois player drafted by the Rangers since outfielder Joe Bonadonna in 2009. Schmitt is the first Illini selected by the Padres since 2005, when the team picked outfielder Drew Davidson.
@BrendanGallian
