
Tennessee Baseball Secures Top Draft‑Withdrawn Pitchers as MLB Selections Slip
Recent signings and draft outcomes highlight a shifting landscape for the Volunteers' 2026 roster.
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Recent signings and draft outcomes highlight a shifting landscape for the Volunteers' 2026 roster.

After a breakout junior year at the University of Tennessee, versatile infielder Garrett Wright was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2026 MLB Draft, joining three fellow Volunteers who also received draft calls.

Nolan Higgins, a standout pitcher from Wixom, Michigan, was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays after a collegiate career that included key performances in the Big Ten Tournament and multiple academic honors.
The Seattle Mariners selected Tampa native Hayden Yost with the 162nd overall pick, rewarding a season that featured 10 home runs and a .262 average.
Hayden Yost, a Tampa native and University of Florida standout, was selected 162nd overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 2026 MLB Draft after a breakout game against LSU that featured three home runs.

Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal has been vocal about the spark that teammate Dillon Dingler brings to the clubhouse, especially during spring training sessions where Dingler’s pitch‑calling creativity stands out. Dingler, a catcher with a keen eye for hitters’ tendencies, explains that his game‑calling philosophy hinges on adaptability — tailoring each sequence to exploit a batter’s strengths while keeping the opposition guessing. In his latest outing against the Oakland Athletics, Skubal showcased a razor‑sharp changeup that not only baffled hitters but also underscored his command of secondary pitches, a factor that has become a cornerstone of his recent success. The performance coincided with a strong start from rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, who has quickly earned a reputation for simplicity and relentless work ethic in the Athletics’ farm system. The piece also revisits a lesser‑known statistic: only three pitchers in baseball history have started five All‑Star games — Lefty Gomez, Don Drysdale, and Robin Roberts — highlighting a lineage of excellence that modern players continue to chase. On the international stage, the KBO’s Samsung Lions secured the services of veteran left‑hander Chris Paddack for the remainder of the season, a move that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. Baseball history will also be front and center at the upcoming SABR convention, where Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is slated to deliver a keynote address celebrating the sport’s diverse heritage. The recent passing of former Minnesota Twins star Darrell Jackson, left‑hander Al Holland, and right‑hander Phil Regan serves as a reminder of the game’s evolving narrative and the indelible marks left by its pioneers. Japanese phenoms Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida continue to dominate discussions, with Yamamoto praised for his consistency and athleticism, while Yoshida’s clutch hitting and solid bat‑to‑ball skills have made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure moments. Comparisons abound for players like Kensuke Kondoh, whose power swing mirrors Yoshida’s, and Haruto Takahashi, whose NPB performances for the Hanshin Tigers have drawn attention from scouts worldwide. Across the Pacific, Forrest Whitley’s strikeout prowess for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Carson McCusker’s contributions to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Riley Thompson’s KBO leading strikeout rate illustrate the depth of talent emerging from foreign leagues. Domestic prospects such as Seth Beer in the Mexican League, Curtis Mead’s potential highlighted by Blake Butera, and Alex Binelas’s steady output for the Reading Fightin Phils further enrich the talent pipeline. Minor league leaders like Manuel Pena, who tops home‑run charts, and Connor Oliver’s consistent performances for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliates underscore the depth of development programs that feed the major leagues.
The ABS challenge system has added drama and strategic depth to baseball, prompting teams to adjust their approaches and sparking mixed reactions among players and managers.

Three LSU players were drafted on the opening day, highlighting the program's sustained excellence and future prospects.

The first day of the 2026 MLB Draft saw Derek Curiel, Jake Brown and Deven Sheerin selected, while Coleton Brady chose to remain at LSU.
The Boston Red Sox chose UNC outfielder Owen Hull with the 67th overall pick, capping a season in which he led the Tar Heels in batting, OPS and RBIs and helped the team reach the College World Series.

The Seattle Mariners selected Trevor Lucas with the 129th overall pick, marking a historic moment for UNC Wilmington baseball and the Seahawks program.

Jake Brown, a standout LSU baseball player and former national champion, was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the second round of the 2026 MLB Draft, marking a significant step toward his professional career.

The Seattle Mariners drafted LSU outfielder Jake Brown with the 65th pick, rewarding a three‑year career that blended national‑championship glory with a $1.38 million slot value.

Kade Anderson, the Mariners' top prospect, will start in the MLB Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park, highlighting a breakout season that has him atop baseball's prospect rankings.

Since 2000 the University of Oklahoma has produced over 150 draft picks, including eight first‑rounders, and continues to send players to the majors at an unprecedented rate.
Derek Curiel, the LSU sophomore who has been a standout in college baseball for two seasons, was selected fifth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB Draft, earning a projected slot value of $8.34 million. His impressive collegiate stats, ongoing discussions about a potential return to LSU, and statements of loyalty to coach Jay Johnson have made his draft journey a focal point of the baseball world.
LSU sophomore outfielder Derek Curiel was chosen fifth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB Draft, earning a $8.34 million slot value while confirming his intention to stay with the Tigers and coach Jay Johnson

The St. Louis Cardinals have locked in infielder JJ Wetherholt with a historic eight-year, $112.5 million contract, signaling a decisive move to retain a core piece of their rebuilding roster.

A look at the hot streaks and hidden gems who could make the difference in the final stretch of the fantasy baseball season.

Netflix adds Bad News Bears, The Benchwarmers, Moneyball, A League of Their Own, Rookie of the Year, and Sugar to its lineup while preparing to broadcast the 2026 MLB season, including the T‑Mobile Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams game.

The Texas Rangers secured a 7‑6 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, with Wyatt Langford’s walk‑off single in the ninth inning delivering the decisive run. The win marks a turning point for the club as it prepares for a critical series against Houston.
Grady Saunders, a standout pitcher from Thurston High School, must choose between signing a professional contract and continuing his collegiate career at Oregon State University.

Several minor‑league standouts are flashing the kind of production that could force front offices to accelerate their service‑time timelines, making them prime targets for fantasy leagues and real‑world roster decisions.

From a 1917 marathon relief effort to a 2023 derby showdown, baseball’s narrative is woven with unforgettable feats and daring experiments.