A Calculated Choice for the Future
Ricky Ojeda, a left‑handed pitcher who concluded his college career at UC Irvine, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee’s baseball program on Tuesday, opting to forgo the 2026 MLB Draft after going undrafted.
Ojeda’s junior season was marked by a 3‑3 record, a 3.77 earned‑run average and a 1.13 WHIP across 62 innings, numbers that helped him rise to prominence on the Anteaters’ bullpen.
The pitcher’s collegiate résumé includes a 3.46 ERA as a freshman and a 3.55 ERA as a sophomore, underscoring a steady progression that caught the attention of several professional scouts.
Earlier in the summer, Ojeda logged six and one‑tenth innings in the Cape Cod League without surrendering a run, a brief but impressive showing that added to his draft stock.
He is one of five transfer pitchers slated to join the Volunteers this offseason, a group that also features right‑handers Jake McCoy, Parker Detmers, Hayden Simmerson, Brody Trosclair, Braydon Kersey, Travis Sanders, Wyatt Hanoian and Chris Ramirez.
Alongside the pitching additions, Tennessee has bolstered its lineup with several position players, most notably Andrew Duncan, a draft prospect who elected to enroll at the university rather than sign a professional contract.
Coach Tony Vitolo praised the incoming talent, stating that the blend of experience and raw potential will give the Vols a deeper rotation and more flexibility in late‑game situations.