RHP Traxton Roberts (Armstrong, 2027) had a meteoric summer, shining on some of the biggest stages along the way. He was one of the biggest winners from Team Illinois at the Future Games, striking out four through two scoreless frames. He then carried his success right into the Illinois State Games where he earned Most Valuable Pitcher honors after striking out all six batters he faced.

Listed at 6-foot-2, 175-pounds, there’s plenty more filling out left for Roberts in the coming years, and his best days are surely still ahead of him. He’ll work his fastball into the low-90s (T92 mph), pairing with a big over-the-top curveball, a sharp slider and a changeup. He’s only scratching the surface of what he can be, and we’re extremely excited to watch him continue to develop in the coming years. 

We recently had the chance to talk with Roberts about his recruitment process, found below. 

Our Q&A 

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Traxton: Honestly, I didn't have any expectations, only hopes. I hoped that I had worked hard enough and was going to get opportunities. I was looking for a college where I would fit in and be able to play. I wanted to find a place that felt like home. 

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

T: No.

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

T: The recruiting process really started for me on August 1st. Kentucky first saw me pitch in Cary, North Carolina. 

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

T: The coaching staff at Kentucky has been great since day one and made me feel like I was at home and meant to be there when I visited campus. 

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

T: Arizona, Illinois and Iowa.

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

T: Blake Ragsdale - really disciplined hitter and follows that with his speed on the basepaths. 

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

T: I have always had the dream and drive since I picked up a baseball at seven years old. But it got really serious going into my freshman year. 

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

T: Hard work pays off and be BLESSED with the opportunities you get.

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

T: Winning a state championship in eighth grade and succeeding at the Future Games. 

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

T: I feel my high school team will be solid and have some depth. Can't wait to see what the season holds!!

PB: How did the Future Games and the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the events?

T: I believe the Future Games was the turning point of my recruiting process. I was fortunate and performed really well there and a lot of colleges paid attention to that. They then followed up watching at the Illinois State Games and I received some more attention after that. 

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

T: Brady Cunningham's hitting ability.

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

T: My younger brother Brocktyn who will be a freshman next year and sophomore Beckett Moran.

PB: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain. 

T: Yes, Prep Baseball made a couple posts about me on X and I think that really boosted my name in the baseball world. Then I got the opportunity to play at the Future Games and as I said earlier, I feel like that was my turning point in the recruiting process. 

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