A Draft Like No Other
The 2026 MLB Draft is shaping up to be a watershed moment for baseball in Tennessee, with analysts expecting one of the most talent‑laden drafts in recent memory.
Over two days in mid‑July, the draft will unfold with rounds one through four kicking off at 1 p.m. Eastern on July 11, followed by rounds five through twenty on July 12 at 11:30 a.m. ET. The first ten selections will be televised on NBC and Peacock, while the remainder of day one and all of day two will stream on MLB Network, MLB.com and related digital platforms.
Coverage will be anchored by NBC and Peacock for the opening ten picks, then shift to MLB Network and MLB.com for the rest of the first day and the entire second day, ensuring fans across multiple channels can follow the action in real time.
Among the standout prospects, starting pitcher Tegan Kuhns is projected as a potential first‑round pick, while infielder Henry Ford, catcher/outfielder Garrett Wright and reliever Bo Rhudy are also ranked among the top talents. Additionally, Jared Grindlinger and Trevor Condon could see their names called in the top‑20 slots, highlighting the depth of the Vols’ recruiting class.
The class includes eleven players invited to the draft combine, underscoring the program’s national visibility and the breadth of talent that could be selected over the two‑day event.
Signing Deadlines and Next Steps
Players who hear their names will have until July 27 at 5 p.m. to ink professional contracts, while those who remain undrafted can still sign as free agents up until the start of the fall semester, giving the program flexibility in managing post‑draft transitions.
The ripple effects of a strong draft performance could boost recruiting momentum, elevate the Vols’ profile on the national stage, and potentially reshape the team’s roster for the upcoming season.