Illinois (2018 Record: 33-20, 15-9)

Illinois had a great 2018 season and advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament as the four seed, but apparently they didn’t do enough for the committee to put them in the postseason.

Returning Players

“We have a lot of players back from a very good team. We have high expectations for 2019. Our entire starting rotation is back, our middle infield is back. Those are important pieces as we move forward to the spring.” — Head Coach Dan Hartleb

Shortstop Ben Troike hit .299 last year with 39 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 30 RBI. Second baseman Michael Massey hit .326 in 2018 with 34 runs scored, 17 doubles, 6 home runs, and 46 RBI.

Quinn Snarskis posted a 2.84 ERA in 73 innings pitched with 34 strikeouts in 2018. Ty Weber had a 3.84 ERA in 82 innings pitched with 53 strikeouts. Andy Fisher posted a 3.96 ERA in 84 innings pitched with 64 strikeouts.

Newcomers

“We are very happy with our incoming freshman class. They were ranked in the Top 25 recruiting classes by Baseball America and D1Baseball. Branden Comia hit two home runs during our foreign trip and Cam McDonald and Jacob Campbell both could contribute in the field. We have many returning pitchers but also some talented freshmen that will get innings.” — Coach Hartleb

Outlook for 2019

“We have high expectations for the program. The goal is to win championships. We just had a great foreign trip to Curaçao and Aruba, which hopefully propels us to successful season.” – Coach Hartleb

Indiana (2018 Record: 40-19, 14-9)

It was another great year for Indiana as they continue to be one of the best programs in the Big Ten. They won 40 games and finished fifth in the Big Ten. Because of a solid out-of-conference schedule, they still made the postseason despite going 1-2 in the Big Ten Tournament.

Returning Players

Outfielder Logan Kaletha should be back atop the lineup after hitting .261 last year with 60 runs scored, 11 doubles, 8 home runs, 31 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. First baseman Matt Lloyd hit .275 a season ago with 36 runs scored, 15 doubles, 9 home runs, and 41 RBI. Outfielder Matt Gorski led the team with a .356 average last year to go along with 41 runs scored, 14 doubles, 8 home runs, 40 RBI, and 24 stolen bases. Ryan Fineman should be back behind the plate after hitting .284 in 2018 with 7 home runs and 37 RBI. DH Scotty Bradley could take on a bigger role in the lineup this year after hitting .326 in limited playing time last season.

Pauly Milto will lead the weekend rotation after posting a 2.03 ERA last year in 79.2 innings pitched with 66 strikeouts. Cam Beauchamp made 10 starts last season and had a 3.78 ERA in 52.1 innings pitched with 43 strikeouts. Cal Krueger was great out of the bullpen last season with a 3.02 ERA in 44.2 innings with 49 strikeouts and 3 saves.

Outlook for 2019

The Hoosiers lose some big boppers from the lineup in Luke Miller and Logan Sowers, but there is plenty coming back. They also lose a lot of innings with Jonathan Stiever and Tim Herrin gone, but again, they have enough talent in the pitching staff to replace those guys.

Iowa (2018 Record: 33-20, 13-9)

Iowa was on the NCAA Tournament bubble last year after finishing sixth in the Big Ten, but after going 0-2 in the Big Ten Tournament they were left out of the postseason.

Returning Players

Iowa loses its top four hitters from last year’s team, including Tyler Cropley and Robert Neustrom. Outfielder Chris Whelan will try and steady the lineup after batting .308 last year in just 38 games with 36 runs scored and 4 home runs.

Cole McDonald will lead the weekend rotation after posting a 3.23 ERA in 2018 over 55.2 innings pitched with 52 strikeouts. Jack Dreyer could fill a rotation spot as well after posting a 3.69 ERA last year in 31.2 innings pitched with 42 strikeouts.

Newcomers

These newcomers could have a major impact this season: OF Connor McCaffery, 1B Tanner Padgett, DH Izaya Fullard, C Austin Martin, and OF Zeb Adreon.

Outlook for 2019

“Our starting pitching will be strong and the number of back-end options look good despite our losses. Our team defense should be solid and I like our offense from top to bottom. We lack the punch of Cropley and Neustrom, but consistently from top-to-bottom of the lineup is our strength.” – Quote from Iowa coaching staff

Maryland (2018 Record: 24-30, 9-14)

I went out on a very small limb last year and picked Maryland to win the Big Ten. That branch broke quickly, and I fell hard as they failed to even make the Big Ten Tournament.

Returning Players

Shortstop AJ Lee should hit atop the lineup again after scoring 32 runs last year and swiping 12 bags with a .375 on-base percentage. Third baseman Taylor Wright will need to step up in his senior season.

Hunter Parsons could lead the weekend staff after posting a 3.44 ERA in 2018 over 89 innings pitched (team high) with 62 strikeouts. Tyler Blohm started 11 games a season ago and had a 4.10 ERA in 59.1 innings with 54 strikeouts. John Murphy had a 4.26 ERA out of the bullpen with 37 strikeouts in 25.1 innings and 4 saves.

Outlook for 2019

The reason I thought Maryland could be so good in 2018 was because they had a lot of talent and experience. Well, all of those players are now either graduated or were taken in the draft. There are plenty of holes in the lineup, but the pitching staff should be much improved with some key arms coming back.

Michigan (2018 Record: 33-21, 15-8)

Many people were clamoring for Michigan to get an at-large bid last season, but their lack of big wins out of conference, and only going 1-2 in the Big Ten Tournament, kept them out despite finishing third in the Big Ten standings.

Returning Players

First baseman/outfielder Jesse Franklin had a superb freshman season hitting .327 with 31 runs scored, 11 doubles, 10 home runs, and 47 RBI in just 165 at-bats. Outfielder/DH Dominic Clementi will be back at the top of the lineup after batting .368 last year with 32 runs scored, 5 triples, 4 home runs, and 29 RBI. Outfielder/DH Miles Lewis should be a big part of the lineup in 2019.

Tommy Henry had a 3.09 ERA in 81.2 innings pitched last season with 77 strikeouts. Karl Kauffmann posted a 3.08 ERA in 79 innings pitched with 78 strikeouts. Ben Dragani posted a 2.76 ERA as a freshman last year over 75 innings with 54 strikeouts. All three should return to form a solid weekend rotation.

Outlook for 2019

This could be a big season for Michigan with plenty coming back both on offense and in the pitching staff. The key will be if those players take the next step in their evaluation. They play a much harder schedule this year, so there will be plenty of chances for high RPI wins to bolster their at-large changes.

Michigan State (2018 Record: 20-32, 11-12)

Michigan State had some really close losses against tough out-of-conference teams last year. They used a late series win over Ohio State to make the Big Ten Tournament where they went 0-2.

Returning Players

Outfielder Bryce Kelley hit .271 in 2018 with 27 runs scored and 33 stolen bases. Outfielder Danny Gleaves hit .272 a season ago in just 122 at-bats with 25 stolen bases and figures to be a big part of the lineup in 2019. Outfielder/infielder Marty Bechina will be back in the lineup after hitting .247 last year with 6 home runs. Infielder/outfielder Justin Antonic adds to the speed of this team after swiping 14 bases last year. Senior Dan Chmielewski figures to take on a key role in the lineup this year as well.

Mason Erla was solid as a freshman last year with a 3.73 ERA in 79.2 innings pitched with 57 strikeouts. He should once again be atop the weekend rotation. Mike Mokma had a 4.66 ERA in 56 innings with 38 strikeouts a year ago and should join him in the weekend rotation.

Newcomers

Freshman Zaid Walker could see time right away in the outfield, while Reese Trahey and Andrew Morrow can play at multiple positions and help give depth to the lineup.

Indigo Diaz is a JUCO transfer who will help upgrade the pitching staff this season.

Outlook for 2019

The Spartans have plenty of experience with eight starting position players returning and two starting pitchers who gained valuable experience last year. Now they just need those players to continue to improve. They also need to a do a good job of winning close games as over 50 percent of their games last year were decided by 1 or 2 runs.

Minnesota (2018 Record: 44-15, 18-4)

It was a banner 2018 season for Minnesota as they won over 40 games, finished first in the Big Ten, won the Big Ten Tournament, and advanced to the Super Regionals. Unfortunately, they matched up with the eventual College World Series champs in the supers.

Returning Players

Catcher Eli Wilson should be back behind the plate after batting .289 in 2018 with 5 home runs and 37 RBI. Outfieldler Ben Mezzenga hit .383 last year with 40 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. Jordan Kozicky will join him in the outfield after hitting .271 a season ago with 5 home runs and 38 RBI.

Patrick Fredrickson was a Freshman All-American last year with a 1.86 ERA in 97 innings pitched with 73 strikeouts. Max Meyer was one of the best closer’s in college baseball last season with 16 saves, a 2.06 ERA, and 54 strikeouts in 43.2 innings pitched. Nick Lackney will try to bounce back in his senior season after posting a 5.48 ERA in 2018 over 47.2 innings with 47 strikeouts.

Outlook for 2019

The Gophers are losing a lot of key contributors from last season on offense. The pitching staff will have to carry this team if they are going to get close to repeating last year’s success.

Nebraska (2018 Record: 24-28, 8-14)

The Cornhuskers just missed out on the Big Ten Tournament last year finishing 10th in the conference.

Returning Players

Luke Roskam returns after hitting .269 last year with 5 home runs and 46 RBI. Mojo Hagge hit .275 with 45 runs scored, while Jaxon Hallmark hit .261. Angelo Altavilla is expected to play a bigger role in the offense as well.

Matt Waldron posted a 4.26 ERA last year in 69.2 innings pitched with 61 strikeouts.

Newcomers

Spencer Schwellenbach is a two-way player who was drafted in the 34th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He could have a big impact on this team right away. Colby Gomes is another freshman that is a two-way player who could contribute right away.

Freshman Cam Chick will get a chance to earn some playing time on the infield, while JUCO transfer Aaron Palensky could see some time in the outfield.

Bo Blessie is a freshman right-handed pitcher who could throw some significant innings this year.

Outlook for 2019

They are hoping the pitching staff will be better this year after suffering a ton of injuries last season. They will also be looking for some players to fill in the voids on offense with the departures of Scott Schreiber and Jesse Wilkening.

Northwestern (2018 Record: 17-32, 6-18)

Northwestern had a setback in 2018 finishing with the second worst record in the Big Ten.

Returning Players

Jack Dunn returns as the team’s leading hitter from last year when he hit .314 with 42 runs scored and 21 stolen bases, while playing second base. His counterpart up the middle will be Alex Erro who hit .296 in 2018 with 30 runs scored and 3 home runs.

Jack Pagliarini will have a chance to be a weekend starter after making eight starts last year with a 3.99 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched with 54 strikeouts.

Newcomers

Michael Trautwein comes in and will have a chance to earn some playing time in the outfield, while Sahwn Goosenberg will look to play on the infield.

Outlook for 2019

They hope to improve their relief pitching in 2018, while also finding more power in the lineup.

Ohio State (2018 Record: 36-24, 14-10)

It was a very strong year for the Buckeyes in 2018 as they made it to semi-finals of the Big Ten Tournament and earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Regionals where they went two-and-out.

Returning Players

Ohio State has a lot coming back to the lineup led by outfielder Dominic Canzone who hit .323 last year with 51 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 35 RBI. First baseman Conner Pohl hit .279 a year ago with 7 home runs and 49 RBI. Kobie Foppe will be back at second base after hitting .335 in 2018 with 47 runs scored. Shortstop Noah West and catcher Dillon Dingler will also be back in the lineup.

Newcomers

“Freshmen right-hander Garett Burhenn, infielder Zach Dezenzo, right-hander Bayden Root and outfielder Nolan Clegg will look to make an immediate impact in their first season in the Scarlet and Gray as well as junior transfers Brent Todys and Joe Gahm. Redshirt freshman Seth Lonsway is set to begin his first year in the OSU rotation.” – quote provided by Ohio State Athletics Department

Outlook for 2019

They have a solid group of guys coming back to the lineup that should allow them to produce runs and win games, and they should be much improved defensively. The pitching staff will be young and will need to grow up quickly.

Penn State (2018 Record: 15-34, 3-21)

It was not a pretty season for Pen State baseball in 2018 as they only managed to win three conference games. They hope to get back on track in 2019.

Returning Players

Outfielder Jordan Bowersox should be back at the top of the lineup after hitting .276 a season ago with 29 runs scored and 7 stolen bases. Catcher Ryan Sloniger led the team with a .306 average in 2018 to go with 5 home runs and 31 RBI.

Dante Biasi will likely be the Friday night guy after posting a 5.20 ERA in 2018 over 62.1 innings pitched with 51 strikeouts.

Newcomers

Freshman Tyler Shingledecker (LHP) and transfer Gavin Homer (2B) will have a chance to play right away for Penn State this season. Mason Mellott was great out of the bullpen last year with a 3.18 ERA in 34 innings pitched with 28 strikeouts and 4 saves.

Outlook for 2019

“Coming off a tremendous fall from all aspects of the program. We have depth at every position defensively and a pitching staff that has the ability to dominate the strike zone with many different dynamics. Offensively we have a lot of options from speed, athleticism, and power depending on how we structure the lineup.” – Quote provided by Penn State Athletics Department

Purdue (2018 Record: 38-21, 17-6)

It was an exceptional season for Purdue as they finished second in the Big Ten and lost in the finals of the Big Ten Tournament to the number one seed. They earned an at-large bid and went 1-2 in the Chapel Hill Regional.

Returning Players

Skyler Hunter and Ben Nisle will both be back in the outfield as they finished last year as two of the team’s top three hitters. Hunter batted .333 with 49 runs scored, 13 doubles, 1 home runs, 39 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. Nisle hit .304 with 7 home runs and 43 RBI.

Senior Ryan Beard should get a chance in the weekend rotation after making 11 starts last year with a 4.26 ERA in 57 innings pitched with 45 strikeouts. Bo Hofstra posted a 3.61 ERA in 52.1 innings pitched with 49 strikeouts. Dalton Parker had a 3.21 ERA in 28 innings pitched with 22 strikeouts. Andrew Bohm will have a bigger role in the pitching staff after posting a 4.50 ERA in 30 innings pitched with 29 strikeouts.

Newcomers

Three transfers will have a chance to come in and help bolster this lineup in Zac Fascia (Jr, C/1B/DH), Cole McKenzie (Jr, 1B/OF), and Johnny Sage (Jr, OF). Freshman Ryan Howe will have a chance to earn some playing time on the infield.

James Kulak is a left-handed pitcher that could see some significant innings as a freshman.

Outlook for 2019

Purdue loses a lot of experience from last year’s NCAA Regional team, but the coaching staff feels like they will be much deeper in the outfield in 2019. They lose their top two starters and closer, but they may have more depth there this year. They hope to continue to become a more athletic and situationally sound team this season. They have a very difficult schedule early in the season that will tell us a lot about this team.

Rutgers (2018 Record: 25-25, 7-16)

It was another disappointing season for Rutgers last year with their fourth straight season having a losing conference record since joining the Big Ten.

Returning Players

Third baseman Carmen Sclafani will be back to lead the offense after hitting .287 last year with 3 home runs. Outfielder Luke Bowerbank led the team in hitting last year with a .303 average. Mike Nyisztor will have a bigger role in the lineup after hitting .249 in 2018 with 35 runs scored.

Harry Rutkowski should be back in the rotation this season after making 13 starts last year with 54 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched with a 5.34 ERA. Serafino Brito was solid mostly out of the bullpen last year with a 3.57 ERA in 45.1 innings pitched with 41 strikeouts and 5 saves.

Newcomers

Freshman Chris Brito (1B) and Peter Serruto (C) will have a chance to make an impact on the lineup right away. Jack Parkinson is a transfer that will help add some depth to the pitching staff.

Outlook for 2019

After lowering their team ERA from 6.11 in 2017 to 4.82 in 2018, they hope to continue to improve their pitching and defense. The coaching staff is looking for more consistency at the plate this season with a better two-strike approach.

2019 All-Big Ten Preseason Team

C: Ryan Fineman (Indiana)

1B: Matt Lloyd (Indiana)

2B: Michael Massey (Illinois)

SS: Ben Troike (Illinois)

3B: Carmen Sclafani (Rutgers)

OF: Dominic Canzone (Ohio State)

OF: Ben Nisle (Purdue)

OF: Matt Gorski (Indiana)

DH: Jesse Franklin (Michigan)

SP: Patrick Fredrickson (Minnesota)

SP: Pauly Milto (Indiana)

SP: Cole McDonald (Iowa)

SP: Quinn Snarskis (Illinois)

SP: Karl Kauffmann (Michigan)

RP: Max Meyer (Minnesota)

RP: Cal Krueger (Indiana)

RP: Serafino Brito (Rutgers)

Honorable Mention:

C – Ryan Sloniger (Penn State)

C – Eli Wilson (Minnesota)

1B – Conner Pohl (Ohio State)

2B – Jack Dunn (Northwestern)

2B – Kobie Foppe (Ohio State)

OF – Logan Kaletha (Indiana)

OF – Chris Whelan (Iowa)

OF – Skyler Hunter (Purdue)

OF – Ben Mezzenga (Minnesota)

DH – Dominic Clementi (Michigan)

UTL – Luke Roskam (Nebraska)

SP – Ty Weber (Illinois)

SP – Andy Fisher (Illinois)

SP – Mason Erla (Michigan State)

SP – Hunter Parsons (Maryland)

SP – Ben Dragani (Michigan)

SP – Tommy Henry (Michigan)

RP – Mason Mellott (Penn State)

Predicted Order to Finish:

1. Indiana

2. Michigan

3. Minnesota

4. Illinois

5. Purdue

6. Ohio State

7. Iowa

8. Michigan State

9. Nebraska

10. Rutgers

11. Maryland

12. Penn State

13. Northwestern