Pirates prospect Camden Janik looking forward to getting started with new organization
In the 2024 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates continued to improve their farm system by selecting a mix of talented high school and college players. One player on that list is Camden Janik, who is coming off a career year for the University of Illinois. After being selected by the Pirates in the 12th round, he is ready to make an impact in an organization that is currently undergoing a renaissance after years of struggling.
While Janik has always been known for his defense, he took his hitting to another level in his junior year. The talented catcher drove in a career-high 49 runs while posting a .356 batting average in 56 games. His success was due to focusing on putting the ball in play.
“ I think a lot of it was just putting an emphasis on putting the ball in play,” said Janik. “ Just getting an opportunity for the other guys on base to score. Our 1-2 got on base a lot which allowed me to put the ball in play and let them score.”
Over the next few months, Janik will have to adjust to a new pitching staff. That is a challenge he is looking forward to due to the Pirates' talent at every level. One day that could lead him to work alongside Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, who have made headlines in the majors this year.
“ That’s definitely on of the upsides of the organization,” Janik said. “ The young talent, the way that they have drafted and developed guys has been awesome. That’s one of the reasons I’m really look forward to getting started. As a catcher having those arms is especially cooler because hopefully I get the opportunity to work with them at some point. I’m just looking forward to the future.”
In Janik, the Pirates are getting a catcher who takes pride in defense and getting to know his pitching staff. That was on display during his time with the Fighting Illini and will key in a new organization.
“ I would say you are getting a guy who controls the controllable,” said Janik. “ It’s sort of an overused saying but I put a strong emphasis on it and I put pride in it. You’re going to get a guy who likes to establish a relationship with pitchers. Hopefully I continue to became a pitchers catcher at the next level. I give 110 percent every play. You’re going to get full effort and some of the stuff you don’t see in the stat book.”
After signing his first contract, Janik is preparing for a new chapter in his baseball career. Regardless of where the Pirates send him, his approach will stay the same.
“ Just be consistent,” Janik said. You are going to get a lot of different feedback and advice from people. At the end of the day, you have to stick with the one you believe in. Sticking to being consistent with my goals and the steps I needed to get to my goals seven days a week really helped me.”