Houston, Texas – Illinois State baseball's Michael Addari was selected by the Houston Astros in the sixth round and 182nd overall. He becomes the first Redbird selected in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Addari becomes the 12th player selected in the MLB draft under eighth-year head coach Steve Holm. The junior's selection ranks as the third-highest during Coach Holm's tenure. He also becomes the fifth Redbird to be selected by the Astros, including the first since Kenny Long's selection in the 22nd round of the 2012 MLB Draft.
In 2026, Addari earned his first career All-MVC First Team honor. The Libertyville, Illinois, native appeared in 14 games, including 11 starts with a 4-4 record. He gathered career-best marks during his junior campaign, including innings pitched (67.1), wins (4), ERA (2.27), and strikeouts (73).
Addari was named MVC Pitcher of the Week on March 23, throwing 5 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts to help Illinois State defeat Belmont 10-4. He finished first in the MVC in ERA among qualified pitchers.
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