CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois senior catcher Jason Goldstein was selected Friday by the Seattle Mariners in the ninth round (No. 267 overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. It is the second straight year Goldstein has been drafted after being taken in the 17th round of last year's draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Goldstein is Illinois' fifth top-10 round pick in the last two years, joining Tyler Jay (1), Cody Sedlock (1), Kevin Duchene (5) and David Kerian (9). It is the Illini's most top-10 round picks in a two-year span in program history.

Goldstein led the Illini in batting average (.312), on-base percentage (.402) and RBIs (29) in 2016. He started 194 games in four years at Illinois, while becoming the second catcher in Illini history to earn three All-Big Ten honors (Aaron Nieckula, 1996-98). 

He was one of the most consistent hitters, as his average never dropped below .300 after the first game of the 2016 season. Despite being slowed by an injury early in the year, Goldstein still produced a .412 slugging percentage and .402 on-base percentage.

Goldstein also called all of the pitches for the staff since his arrival in Champaign, including first-round draft picks Tyler Jay and Cody Sedlock. His ability to handle pitchers helped his draft stock as many enter professional baseball without experience calling pitches.

The Highland Park, Illinois, native excelled in the classroom during his four years. He earned a degree in industrial engineering and is one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Senior Class Award, presented to one baseball student-athlete in the nation with notable achievements in community, classroom, character and competition.

Goldstein played in 198 games and started 194 during his Illinois career. He finished with a .289 career batting average, 16 home runs and 115 RBIs. 

The No. 267 overall pick has a slot value of $168,900.