Libertyville Baseball Standout Michael Addari Selected By Astros In MLB Draft

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — A Libertyville High School graduate Michael Addari is one step closer to the major leagues after the Houston Astros selected the pitcher in the sixth round of the 2026 MLB Draft.

Addari, a right-handed pitcher from Libertyville, was picked 182nd overall by the Astros on Sunday after a standout season at Illinois State University. The selection gives Addari an opportunity to begin his professional baseball career with the Astros organization, according to a news release from Illinois State University.

The 6-foot-6 junior was one of the top pitchers in the Missouri Valley Conference during the 2026 season, earning All-MVC First Team honors. Addari finished the season with a 4-4 record, a 2.27 ERA and 73 strikeouts over 67⅓ innings, ranking first among qualified MVC pitchers in ERA, according to the news release.

Addari earned Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week honors on March 23 after throwing 5⅓ innings and recording seven strikeouts in a win over Belmont. Before joining Illinois State, Addari began his college career at Michigan State before transferring to the Redbirds. During his time at Illinois State, he emerged as a key member of the pitching staff and became one of the conference’s top arms, according to ISU.