The Chicago Cubs announced the selection of Tennessee left‑hander Brandon Arvidson with the 367th overall pick in the 12th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, a move that underscores the club’s intent to bolster its pitching depth with a proven collegiate reliever.
A collegiate journey marked by resilience
Arvidson’s path to the draft was anything but linear. After an initial commitment to Texas, he transferred to Tennessee, where he refined his arsenal and emerged as a key bridge‑hand for the Volunteers. His experience under coaches like Jim Schlossnagle equipped him with the poise and adaptability prized by major‑league scouts.
During the 2025 season, Arvidson posted a 4.19 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP across 38.2 innings, striking out 44 batters while walking only 14. The following year, he maintained a 4.34 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 37.1 innings, again delivering a strikeout‑to‑walk ratio that highlighted his control and effectiveness in high‑leverage situations.
Strategic value for the Cubs
The Cubs’ front office sees Arvidson as more than just a statistical footnote; his left‑handed delivery and ability to handle multiple innings make him a versatile piece for a rotation that has been seeking reliable depth. His performance in SEC play, where he posted a 4.34 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 29 innings, further validates his readiness for the professional game.
Arvidson joins a group of Tennessee alumni already heading to the majors, joining draftees such as Tegan Kuhns, Henry Ford, Bo Rhudy and Garrett Wright. The draft also saw several high‑school signees from the Volunteers’ pipeline selected, signaling a robust talent pipeline emerging from Knoxville.