Illinois MLB Draft History | MLB Draft Slot Values
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois junior second baseman Michael Massey was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fourth round of the MLB Draft, announced live Tuesday on MLB.com. The slot value of the pick is $533,000.
"I'm just grateful to the University of Illinois for everything that athletic program has done for me, and for the baseball program," said Massey. "I couldn't be more excited to be a Royal."
Massey is the highest drafted infielder in Illinois history at No. 109 overall, one round ahead of shortstop Brandon Wikoff (Overall No. 161) in 2009. He is the fifth-highest position player drafted in Illinois history and gives the Illini back-to-back top-four round position player picks for the second time in history. Bren Spillane went in the third round last season and Lars Davis (Rockies, Round 3) and Kyle Hudson (Orioles, Round 4) went in back-to-back top-four rounds in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Massey has been one of the best middle infielders in Illinois history, ranking in the top 50 in career batting average and becoming the first Illini ever to win the prestigious Gold Glove Award. Massey hit .324 with 43 doubles, five triples, 17 homers and 110 RBIs in 159 career games and made only one error in his last 93 games.
Massey has one year of eligibility remaining. He has until July 15 to sign with the Royals.
Massey Career Highlights
• .324 career batting average ranks 48th in Illinois history
• Only one error in his last 93 games
• 2019 All-Big Ten first team second baseman
• 2018 ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner for second base
• 2018 ABCA/Rawlings All-Region first team
• 2018 All-Big Ten second team second baseman
• Collected his 200th career hit in his 152nd game (vs. Purdue 5/12/19)
• 60 straight games without an error (April 22, 2017-May 12, 2018)
• 2017 Baseball America Freshman All-America second team
• 2017 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America Team
• 2017 All-Big Ten third team second baseman
• 2017 Big Ten All-Freshman Team second baseman
Highest Drafted Middle Infielders in Illinois History
Round 4, Overall 109 - Michael Massey, 2B, Kansas City, 2019
Round 5, Overall 161 - Brandon Wikoff, SS, Houston Astros, 2009
Round 6, Overall 185 - Chris Masak, SS, New York Mets, 2000
Round 10, Overall 283 - Josh Klimek, SS, Milwaukee Brewers, 1996
Round 14, Overall 316 - Robert Polock, 2B, San Diego Padres, 1973
Round 16, Overall 317 - Dan Humay, SS, Minnesota Twins, 1967
Round 11, Overall 320 - Brian McClure, 2B, San Diego Padres, 1996
Highest Drafted Position Players in Illinois History
Round 3, Overall 82 - Bren Spillane, RF, Cincinnati Reds, 2018
Round 3, Overall 90 - Chris Robinson, C, Detroit Tigers, 2005
Round 3, Overall 102 - Lars Davis, C, Colorado Rockies, 2007
Round 4, Overall 107 - Sean Mulligan, C, San Diego Padres, 1991
Round 4, Overall 109 - Michael Massey, 2B, Kansas City, 2019
Round 4, Overall 116 - Kyle Hudson, OF, Baltimore Orioles, 2008
Round 6, Overall 145 - Darrin Fletcher, C, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1987
Round 6, Overall 145 - Gary Borg, OF, Minnesota Twins, 1985
Round 8, Overall 145 - Jerry Szukala, 1B, Chicago Cubs, 1966
Round 5, Overall 161 - Brandon Wikoff, SS, Houston Astros, 2009
Round 6, Overall 181 - Scott Spiezio, 1B, Oakland A's, 1993
