
Tennessee Baseball Secures Top Draft‑Withdrawn Pitchers as MLB Selections Slip
Recent signings and draft outcomes highlight a shifting landscape for the Volunteers' 2026 roster.
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Recent signings and draft outcomes highlight a shifting landscape for the Volunteers' 2026 roster.

LSU’s star outfielder Derek Curiel was chosen fifth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB draft, concluding a two‑year stint that produced a championship ring, freshman‑of‑the‑year honors and a string of record‑setting performances.

This week’s fantasy baseball analysis breaks down the latest performances, injury comebacks and emerging talents across the American League, offering insight for roster decisions.

Jaxon Willits, a standout shortstop from the University of Oklahoma, was chosen by the Los Angeles Angels with the 141st overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The selection follows his MVP showing in the College World Series and a family legacy in the sport.
Shawn Sullivan, a highly ranked right‑handed pitcher from Walsh Jesuit High School, has elected to play for the University of Tennessee, skipping the 2026 MLB Draft after going undrafted in the first nine rounds.

Jaxon Willits was selected 141st overall in the 2026 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, capping a college career that included a College World Series MVP and a national championship.
Jaxon Willits, celebrated for his College World Series heroics, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, continuing a family tradition in professional baseball.

Left‑hander Brett Lanman was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a collegiate career that saw him set program records and earn multiple conference honors.
Highly ranked right‑hander Gannon Grant will skip the 2026 MLB Draft and join the University of Tennessee, preserving eligibility for the 2028 draft while earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

The 2026 MLB Draft is currently underway, with Oklahoma State players and signees being selected. Alex Conover was the first Cowboy taken in the fourth round, while Dylan Bowen was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth round.

The Chicago Cubs selected Maryland right‑hander Lance Williams in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, capping a standout season that saw 69 strikeouts and dominant performances against Rutgers and Penn State.

The 2026 Home Run Derby will be staged at Citizens Bank Park, streamed exclusively on Netflix, and feature an innovative outs‑based format with eight power hitters, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and rising international talents.

As the 2026 MLB Draft approaches, Texas Longhorns weigh professional contracts against college eligibility, with high‑round bonuses shaping decisions and the coaching staff plotting a return to contention.

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Tennessee right‑hander Bo Rhudy in the seventh round, highlighting a strong season that included a 3.38 ERA and key postseason outings.

Michael Anderson’s selection in the 2026 MLB Draft caps a career that blended power hitting with a rare fastball, but a torn UCL casts doubt on his pitching future.

Wessley Roberson, a top hitting prospect from Brunswick, GA, was selected 115th overall by the Miami Marlins in the 2026 MLB Draft, joining three other LSU signees who were also drafted.

Alabama’s standout backstop, Brady Neal, was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft after a breakout season that helped the Crimson Tide return to the College World Series.

A look at the Arkansas right‑hander’s 1.88 ERA, six saves and high‑velocity fastball that earned him a spot in the Royals’ system.
El Paso’s Drew Gonzalez, the 2026 All‑City MVP, was chosen in the sixth round of the MLB Draft, sparking excitement and a potential college commitment.
The 238th overall pick brings a strong collegiate résumé and a projected $234.7 k slot value to the San Francisco organization.

Nevada right‑hander Aidan Brainard was chosen in the sixth round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers, marking the first Mountain West player ever selected in that draft and the tenth Nevada draft pick since 2019.

The Chicago Cubs selected LSU pitcher Dylan Blomker with the 159th overall pick, a slot valued at $441,300, continuing a pipeline of Louisiana talent.

After a breakout junior year at the University of Tennessee, versatile infielder Garrett Wright was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2026 MLB Draft, joining three fellow Volunteers who also received draft calls.

The 2026 MLB Draft saw left‑hander Zane Adams selected in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles, capping a college career that included a pivotal role in Alabama's first College World Series appearance since 1999.