The 2026 MLB Draft has closed its doors, and the University of Tennessee’s baseball program now turns its focus to the upcoming season. With the draft’s final picks filed, the Volunteers’ roster is essentially set, giving coaches a clear picture of who will wear the orange and white next spring.
A Deep, Versatile Infield
Tennessee boasts one of the most crowded position‑player groups in recent memory. At catcher, Trent Grindlinger is the leading candidate to inherit the starting role, while Levi Clark is slated to man first base. The corner infield also sees competition: Wyatt Hanoian is the front‑runner at second base, Travis Sanders is expected to lock down third, and Blake Grimmer, along with Braydon Kersey, are both in the mix for left‑field duties. Andrew Duncan is the clear choice in centerfield, and Blaine Brown is projected to start in right field. The depth at these spots makes the task of finalizing a starting nine a puzzle the coaching staff embraces.
The outfield picture adds another layer of intrigue. Kersey, who can also serve as the designated hitter, is expected to bring power to the middle of the order, while Brown’s speed and contact hitting should anchor the right‑field spot. The blend of experience and fresh talent creates a lineup that can adapt to multiple game situations.
Pitching Rotation Takes Shape
On the mound, the Volunteers have identified a core trio for weekend starts: Cam Appenzeller, Landon Mack, and Jake McCoy. Their performances in the recent fall series have put them in prime position to lead the rotation, while a host of other arms continue to battle for the remaining slots.
The bullpen will be a mix of seasoned veterans and promising freshmen. Relievers such as Ricky Ojeda and Hayden Simmerson bring college‑level success to the table, giving the staff a solid foundation as they head into fall practice.
Overall, the Volunteers’ blend of positional flexibility and pitching depth sets the stage for an exciting fall camp. As the team fine‑tunes its lineup and refines its arms, the expectations are high for a season that could see Tennessee make a significant jump in the national rankings.