Six Tennessee players were selected in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, continuing the program’s recent run as one of college baseball’s most prolific pipelines to the pros. More Sports News
Tegan Kuhns Picked 32nd Overall by the Cardinals
Sophomore pitcher Tegan Kuhns was taken with the 32nd overall pick by the St. Louis Cardinals, giving Tennessee a first-round selection for the fifth consecutive year. UT has now produced 11 first-round picks this decade, the most of any program in the country. It also marks the second straight year the Cardinals have drafted a Tennessee pitcher in the first round, following Liam Doyle at No. 5 overall in 2025.
Five More Vols Drafted on Day 2
Third baseman Henry Ford kicked off the Day 2 selections, going to the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round. Three pitchers followed: Bo Rhudy to the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round, Brandon Arvidson to the Chicago Cubs in the 12th round, and Evan Blanco to the Oakland Athletics in the 13th round. Catcher Garrett Wright was selected in the eighth round by the Los Angeles Angels, extending another streak — a UT player has gone to the Angels in five straight drafts.
Tennessee’s Draft Legacy Under Josh Elander
Since Josh Elander joined the coaching staff in 2018, Tennessee has had 58 players drafted, averaging 6.4 picks per year. The program has placed 51 players since 2020 and has had at least six selections in each of the last six drafts dating to 2021. Tennessee has also had 45 players taken in the first 10 rounds since 2019.
The full pick-by-pick breakdown is available on the MLB Draft Tracker.
Source: University of Tennessee Athletics
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