A social media announcement
Michael Teasley, a right‑handed pitcher from Oak Ridge, used Instagram to share that he is pulling out of the 2026 MLB Draft. In a brief video he thanked major‑league teams for their interest and said he is excited to begin the next chapter at the University of Tennessee.
Teasley capped his high school career with a 1.17 ERA over 602⅔ innings and a .414 batting average that included 46 hits, 30 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. The two‑time PrepXtra Baseball Player of the Year also helped Oak Ridge reach three straight TSSAA state tournament appearances.
The pitcher had committed to Tennessee in October 2024, and his decision to stay home for college now solidifies that plan. He will join a Volunteers program that has been building momentum under head coach Tony Vitello, who praised Teasley’s work ethic and leadership.
Teasley’s move reflects a growing trend of top high‑school talent opting for a college education before entering the professional ranks. For the University of Tennessee, the addition of a proven ace and a versatile bat promises to strengthen the roster heading into the next season.