AJ Curry, a 6‑foot‑3 outfielder ranked No. 48 in the 2026 recruiting cycle by Perfect Game, has elected to forgo the MLB Draft and will play for the Tennessee Volunteers beginning next spring. The decision marks a significant commitment to collegiate baseball for the San Diego native, who had been projected as a potential early‑round professional prospect.
A Strategic Commitment
Curry, who stands 6‑foot‑3 and weighs 205 pounds, attended University City High School in San Diego before enrolling at the University of Tennessee. His ranking by Perfect Game placed him at No. 48 overall, while Baseball America listed him at No. 279 in the draft prospects. The move comes as four of Tennessee's top draft candidates were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, including Jared Grindlinger, who was chosen No. 12 by the Los Angeles Angels, and Trevor Condon, drafted No. 13 by the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Volunteers' season under first‑year head coach Josh Elander ended with a 38‑22 record and secured a postseason berth for the seventh consecutive year. Tennessee posted a 15‑15 mark in SEC play, highlighted by series victories over top‑10 opponents Mississippi State and Texas, and posted a perfect 14‑0 record in midweek games, the only program in the nation to achieve such a feat.
Although the Vols' campaign concluded in the Chapel Hill Regional, the team's consistent performance underscores its rising stature in college baseball. With a blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent, Tennessee looks to build on this momentum as it prepares for the next season and the continued development of players like Curry.