Jeremy Rhoades

Illinois State led NCAA Division I in strikeouts per nine innings at the end of the regular season, and Rhoades was the biggest reason why. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder moved from the bullpen into the rotation, and while he lost some giddy-up on his fastball, he remained effective as missing bats. He was an all-conference closer in 2013 and moved back to the bullpen in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament; he still led the team with four saves even after making starts in six of seven league weekends. Rhoades attacks hitters with a pair of plus pitches, with his fastball reaching 94-95 mph in relief and his hard, low-80s slider earning plus grades for its sharp, late break. He commands his slider better than his fastball and at times relies on it too heavily, especially when he's starting. Rhoades uses the occasional changeup as a starter but likely will go back to relieving as a pro.