Vanderbilt baseball is poised for a major infusion of talent after the 2026 MLB Draft, with the Commodores projected to land at least five of the nation’s top‑100 prospects.
The draft results reveal a surprising twist: several highly rated prospects such as Noah Wilson, Joseph Contreras, Bo Holloway, RJ Cope and Gunner Skelton slipped past the 20 rounds and went undrafted.
Undrafted prospects eyeing a comeback
Among them, Wilson set a record at the MLB Draft Combine with a 30‑yard dash, while Contreras and Holloway have been praised for their pitching arsenals. Skelton, who hit .386 with five home runs in the Appalachian League, adds a potent bat.
James Tronstein was selected in the 15th round, but his signing intentions remain uncertain, leaving the Commodores to monitor his decision closely.
The roster also benefits from returning standouts like Colin Barczi, who was not drafted and may elect to use his senior year, and Connor Fennell, a 20th‑round pick weighing a contract offer from the White Sox against a return to Vanderbilt.
Additions such as Ohio State transfer Maddix Simpson are expected to fill infield gaps, while transfers Matt Conte, Niko Brini and Dominic Monaco join the squad after going undrafted.
With signed contracts due by July 27 at 4 p.m. CT, the Commodores have a narrow window to finalize deals, and undrafted free agents can still sign up until the 2027 draft begins.