Max Vaisvila emerged as NIU’s ace, and the Yankees took notice
In the 2026 season, the senior left-hander turned into a true difference-maker for Northern Illinois, going 8-0 with a 3.09 ERA, 87 strikeouts in 85.2 innings, and top-five MAC finishes in ERA, WHIP, complete games and strikeouts. He also flashed ceiling stuff with a 14-strikeout one-hitter and a stretch of five straight wins, which helped him earn All-MAC First Team, All-Region, and national pitcher-of-the-week honors. Why care? He looks like a tough, attack-minded starter who can carry a staff—and yes, the Yankees thought enough of the profile to sign him after the season.
