Illinois pitcher Andy Fisher signs with Reds

It came as a shock to many last week when Illinois redshirt senior left-handed pitcher Andy Fisher went undrafted in the 2019 MLB Draft.

Fisher’s dream of going pro is still alive, as he reached an agreement with the Cincinnati Reds as an undrafted free agent.

Since transferring from Eastern Illinois, Fisher has been a solid option on Hartleb’s pitching staff and really emerged as Illinois’ ace in his final collegiate season.

Fisher dazzled with a 7-1 record and a 2.57 ERA. Fisher had the the lowest ERA of any of Illinois starting pitchers and led the team in wins (His ERA was second to Garrett Acton for best on the team).

Fisher pitched into the 7th inning eight times this year and dominated on occasion.

The left hander took a no hitter into the 8th inning early in the year, and took home BIG Ten and National pitcher of the week after stifling then ranked Indiana.

Fisher has a 3/4 arm angle with a high 80s fastball, a good change up, and a slider with nasty bite.

To the untrained eye Fisher doesn’t seem to have the velocity to make it far in pro-ball, but utilizing his strengths and pitching to contact, mostly on the ground, is what earned him all Big Ten honors this year and what could earn him a spot on the mound for the Reds.