How many Tennessee Volunteers players could get drafted in the 2024 MLB Draft?
The 2024 MLB Draft is just eight days away, with the three-day event commencing on July 14. All 30 MLB teams will select from the best talents in college baseball across 20 rounds, and this season showed there are great options to choose from.
The Tennessee Volunteers have arguably been the strongest team in NCAA baseball this year. In Tony Vitello's seventh season as head coach, they won the SEC regular-season title, the SEC Tournament, the Knoxville Regional and Knoxville Super Regional before clinching their maiden College World Series title. They also became the first team in SEC history to win 60 games in a single season.
Seven players from the Volunteers' roster have proved they can be valuable assets in the 2024 MLB Draft. Here is a look at those seven players.
Seven Tennessee Volunteers in contention to be picked in the 2024 MLB Draft
1. Christian Moore, 2B
Moore featured among the country's best hitters this season. He broke the program's single-season record with 34 home runs, which was also the third-highest tally in the country. He also drove in 74 runs with an average of .375, which illustrates his immaculate level of consistency.
His exploits at the plate made him just the third player in history to win the SEC Triple Crown, and he was also a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist. Currently, Moore ranks 13th in the top prospects for the MLB Draft and looks set to go in the first round of the draft next Sunday.
2. Billy Amick, 3B
Amick transferred to Tennessee this season after helping the Clemson Tigers win the ACC Championship in 2023. He enjoyed an excellent season at the plate, recording 23 home runs and 65 RBI at an average of .306.
He played a major role in the postseason, recording critical hits and home runs to lead the Volunteers to victory in difficult situations. He ranks 32nd in the draft's top prospects and is likely to be picked within the first two rounds.
3. Drew Beam, RHP
Beam established himself as a solid rotation option in the Volunteers' bullpen. He stepped up as their starting pitcher on more than one occasion, making his mark on the mound with every opportunity.
This season, Beam went 9-2 while recording 99 strikeouts with an ERA of 4.22 in 102.1 innings pitched. He currently ranks 64th in the top draft prospects and can be a valuable asset for any MLB team's bullpen in the future.
4. Blake Burke, 1B
Burke was among the Volunteers' most consistent hitters this season. The first baseman recorded 20 home runs and 61 RBI with an average of .379. He earned First-Team All-American honors this season and ranks 65th in the top draft prospects.
5. Kavares Tears, OF
In his redshirt sophomore season, Tears made quite the impression. He recorded 20 home runs and 62 RBI at an average of .324, while also stealing four bases. He currently ranks 66th in the top draft prospects and has the potential to add immense firepower to an MLB team's hitting lineup.
6. Dylan Dreiling, OF
The left-handed hitter dwarfed his freshman season with his incredible hitting this year. He recorded 23 home runs and 75 RBI at an average of .341. Dreiling was named the MVP of the College World Series for helping the Volunteers pip the Aggies to their first-ever NCAA Tournament title. He currently ranks 72nd in the top prospects for this year's draft.
7. AJ Causey, RHP
Causey was a solid arm in the Volunteers' bullpen this season after transferring from Jacksonville State. He went 13-3 while recording 125 strikeouts with an ERA of 4.43. While he features in the top prospects for the draft, he might be picked in the later rounds.