Draft Results and Roster Dynamics
The 2026 MLB Draft has wrapped up, delivering six selections from the University of Tennessee, among them outfielder Andrew Duncan and pitcher Jake McCoy. Their paths forward now hinge on contract negotiations and eligibility decisions.
Duncan, a Wright State transfer who was chosen in the 19th round, announced he will not sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, leaving his professional future open. Meanwhile, McCoy, a South Carolina transfer taken in the 18th round, remains undecided, with reports linking him to a potential deal with the Toronto Blue Jays or a return to college baseball.
Tennessee currently fields 36 scholarship athletes for the 2027 season, two spots above the NCAA's 34-player cap. The program's use of designated student-athlete status permits this temporary overflow, a provision that has become a strategic tool for the coaching staff.
The draft class also includes two transfer commitments and five high-school signees, painting a picture of a diverse incoming group that blends experience with fresh talent. Returning veterans will mix with new arms and bats, shaping a roster that could be among the most competitive in the SEC next year.