Matt Conte, a catcher who spent the past two seasons at Wake Forest, has decided to withdraw from the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft to pursue a collegiate season with Vanderbilt.
The sophomore was slated as a draft‑eligible player and posted a .274 batting average with 12 home runs, two triples and 12 doubles, a performance that placed him 304th overall on Baseball America’s draft board and 21st among transfer portal prospects.
Strategic Move for Vanderbilt
His withdrawal clears the way for him to become Vanderbilt’s everyday starter next season, giving the Commodores a proven bat behind the plate and adding depth to a lineup that already features several high‑school signees.
Two other transfer commits — Dominic Monaco and Niko Brini — also remain draft‑eligible, though neither is expected to be selected in the upcoming draft.
Vanderbilt’s roster blends returning players, current transfers and fresh high‑school talent, a mix that could influence both the team’s on‑field performance and the draft landscape for the coming year.
Draft Landscape Implications
The decision reflects a growing trend where top transfer athletes choose collegiate development over immediate professional entry, a shift that could affect slot signings and team strategies across the league.
Coaches and analysts will watch how Conte’s presence influences Vanderbilt’s performance in the SEC and how his draft‑eligible peers navigate the selection process as the draft approaches.