Tennessee Baseball Players and Recruits Secure Significant MLB Draft Signing Bonuses

Six current Tennessee Volunteers baseball players and five incoming recruits have officially transitioned to professional baseball, securing significant signing bonuses after being selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. The deadline for drafted players to sign contracts is July 27 at 5 p.m., with most of the Vols’ draftees and signees having already finalized their deals.

The Vols were not expected to retain any of their drafted college players, indicating a full departure to the professional ranks. Notably, all incoming freshmen selected in the draft have already signed with their respective MLB organizations, collectively receiving over $16 million in signing bonuses. Two incoming transfers, pitcher Jake McCoy and outfielder Andrew Duncan, were also picked in later rounds but are expected to play for Tennessee next season.

Key facts

Current Players Secure Deals

Right-hander A.J. Kuhns, drafted 32nd overall by the St. Louis Cardinals, signed for the exact slot value of $3,044,600. Kuhns, a draft-eligible sophomore, secured a deal reflecting his high draft position. Similarly, outfielder Blake Ford, selected 191st overall by the Seattle Mariners in Round 6, signed for his slot value of $335,900. Ford’s decision to sign was influenced by his previous undrafted status and approaching senior year eligibility, reducing his leverage for a return to college.

Infielder Ryan Rhudy, a seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies, signed for $265,300, slightly below his slot value of $267,800. While he could have returned for his senior year, early-round deals are typically negotiated beforehand to minimize risk for both player and team. Outfielder Ben Arvidson, a 12th-round pick for the Chicago Cubs, signed for $150,000, the standard value for picks after the 10th round.

Outfielder Aaron Blanco, drafted in the 13th round by the Athletics, signed a deal for $75,000, half of his pick’s slot value. With no remaining college eligibility, Blanco’s signing allowed the Athletics to reallocate funds. The sole remaining unsigned player from Tennessee’s draft class is infielder David Wright, an eighth-round pick by the Los Angeles Angels. He is expected to sign, given that historically very few early-round picks forgo professional contracts.

Incoming Recruits Command High Value

The five incoming freshmen recruits drafted this year have collectively signed for a total of $16,193,100, underscoring their high potential and the competitive nature of drafting top high school talent. Outfielder Ethan Grindlinger was the highest draft pick among Tennessee’s recruits, selected 12th overall by the Los Angeles Angels. He signed for his slot value of $5,889,300. Grindlinger was a two-way prospect but was drafted as an outfielder.

Infielder Noah Condon, the 13th overall pick by the St. Louis Cardinals, signed for $5,161,300, slightly under his slot value. This saving likely contributed to the Cardinals’ ability to sign their second-round pick, Rocco Maniscalco, for over $1 million above slot. Outfielder Jack McCarthy, a second-round pick by the Atlanta Braves, received a substantial signing bonus of $2,497,500. This over-slot deal was crucial for the Braves to secure Vermont’s highest-ever draftee and prevent him from pursuing college baseball.

Right-hander Sam Putnam, a fifth-round pick by the Colorado Rockies, secured a significant over-slot deal of $1,897,500. This premium payment was essential for the Rockies to entice Putnam away from his college commitment. Finally, infielder Leo Boshell, an 11th-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks, received $750,000. This substantial over-slot bonus for a late-round pick highlights Arizona’s strategic use of savings from earlier rounds to secure high-priority prospects.

This significant exodus of talent highlights Tennessee’s strong baseball program, consistently producing players ready for the professional ranks. The financial commitments from MLB teams demonstrate the high regard for both the college players and the incoming recruits.

Source: Yahoo Sports – https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/signing-bonuses-tennessee-baseball-players-090452659.html