Multiple baseball players with connections to Illinois were selected in Major League Baseball’s 2024 amateur draft. Ben Hess, a right-handed pitcher from Charleston, Alabama, was picked 26th by the New York Yankees, surpassing his MLB Pipeline ranking of 44. JD Dix, a shortstop from Whitefish Bay, Wis., was chosen 35th by the Arizona Diamondbacks, improving on his ranking of 75. Ryan Sloan, a right-handed pitcher, dropped to the second round but was selected 55th by the Seattle Mariners. Several other players from Illinois were picked in later rounds by various teams, showcasing the talent pool from the state. The draft highlights the success and potential of these players as they embark on their professional baseball careers.