2018 MLB Draft: Illinois’ Bren Spillane selected by the Reds in third round

Bren Spillane seemed destined to hear his name called in the 2018 MLB Draft with the stats and accolades he racked up during his junior season at Illinois.

And on Tuesday, June 5, Spillane was selected 82nd overall in the third round by the Cincinnati Reds

The first baseman from Wheeling, Illinois, put up one of the best offensive seasons in Illinois history during his junior year. Spillane batted .389 at the plate with 23 home runs — the second most in a single-season by an Illini — and 60 RBI.

These three stats earned him the Big Ten regular season Triple Crown (stats at the time were .407, 22 HR, and 57 RBI). Throw in a nation-leading .903 slugging percentage, and the accolades started to pile up.

Spillane was named the 2018 Big Ten Player of the Year along with being named Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s 2018 All-American First Team and National Player of the Year. Spillane is also a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, which is awarded to the best amateur baseball player in the country.

Stay with The Champaign Room for more coverage of the 2018 MLB Draft.