With 75% of hits and 69% of runs scored returning from last year's team, the Illinois offense has a lot of potential in 2019.

Preseason All-American Michael Massey (.326/.369/.514) returns to lead the offense after a second team All-Big Ten season and Gold Glove Award in 2019. Massey's middle infield partner SS Ben Troike (.299/.402/.403) also returns to give Illinois one of the best double play combos in the nation. 

The rest of the infield could feature returners Michael Michalak (.282/.370/.352) and Grant Van Scoy (.234/.322/.309) along with potential impact freshmen Branden Comia and Cam McDonald, who could also play outfield. 

Two veterans anchor the outfield in MLB Draft pick Zac Taylor (.226/.332/.429), who hit 10 homers last season, and Jack Yalowitz (.216/.304/.322), who was a first team All-Big Ten selection in 2017. 

Behind the plate, Jeff Korte (.262/.349/.384) and David Craan (.138/.242/.276) will be in a competition for innings with freshman Jacob Campbell, who was a 2018 Cubs draft pick and top-10 catcher recruit in the nation.

It could be a big season at Illinois Field.