Freeport native Mason Lei has taken the next step in his baseball career after hearing his name called during the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft.
The right-handed pitcher was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 13th round of the MLB Draft on July 12, 2026, capping off an outstanding collegiate career highlighted by success at both the University of Illinois Chicago and Rock Valley College.
Lei spent the 2026 season at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Flames to a Missouri Valley Conference Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament's Atlanta Regional. He finished the season with an 8-5 record over 96.2 innings, recording a team-leading 86 strikeouts while establishing himself as one of the conference's top pitchers.
Before transferring to UIC, Lei enjoyed a dominant two-year career at Rock Valley College. As a member of the Golden Eagles, he compiled a combined 15-5 record with 137 strikeouts while issuing just eight walks, showcasing exceptional command and consistency on the mound. During his time at Rock Valley, the Golden Eagles posted an impressive 84 combined victories over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with Lei serving as one of the program's premier arms.
Rock Valley College head coach Chad Herren praised Lei's impact on the program and reflected on the pitcher's development.
"I can't thank Mason enough for putting his trust in us here at Rock Valley College," Herren said. "Mason brought it every day, leading the team through his work ethic and devotion to the Golden Eagle program."
Lei's selection by the Red Sox is a testament to years of dedication and steady progression throughout his collegiate career. From his dominance at Rock Valley College to helping UIC capture a conference championship and advance to NCAA Regional play, Lei consistently proved himself against high-level competition.
Now, the Freeport standout begins the next chapter of his baseball journey as he enters the Boston Red Sox organization, carrying with him a reputation for competitiveness, leadership, and a relentless work ethic that has defined his career at every stop.
