Tennessee 2024 MLB Draft Projections: Predicting landing spots for Volunteers in the MLB
The 2024 MLB Draft is less than two weeks away as the first round is set to kick off on Sunday, July 14. The draft will consist of 20 rounds, taking place over a three day period. Unlike the NBA Draft and NFL Draft, players drafted in the MLB Draft have the opportunity to return to college if they do not sign a contract. Teams are also less inclined to draft to fill holes as players will spend time in the minor leagues developing, and needs may change before they are ready to debut.
The Tennessee Volunteers were able to win their first national title in program history last month. They have six players who are expected to hear their name called in this year's draft. Here's a look at where each of those players could land.
Tennessee Volunteers 2024 MLB Draft Projections
#1: Christian Moore, second baseman
Projection: Round 1, eight overall, Los Angeles Angels
Christian Moore had an incredible 2024 season, hitting .375 with 34 home runs, 74 RBIs, 83 runs scored, 111 hits, and a 1.248 OPS. The Los Angeles Angels have looked to acquire players that won't need much time in the minor leagues in recent seasons, and the Tennessee Volunteers second baseman fits the bill.
#2: Billy Amick, third baseman
Projection: Round 1, 33rd overall, Minnesota Twins
Billy Amick also turned in an elite 2024 season, hitting .306 with 23 home runs, 65 RBIs, 67 runs scored, 78 hits, and a 1.026 OPS. The Minnesota Twins could target Amick, who has shown an ability to play all over the diamond.
#3: Drew Beam, starting pitcher
Projection: Round 2, 63rd overall, Philadelphia Phillies
Drew Beam went 9-2 with a 4.22 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 102.1 innings pitched. The Philadelphia Phillies could look to use a second-round pick on the starting pitcher as a developmental prospect.
#4: Blake Burke, first baseman
Projection: Round 2, 64th overall, Arizona Diamondbacks
Blake Burke an elite 2024 season, hitting .379 with 20 home runs, 61 RBIs, 74 runs scored, 108 hits, and a 1.151 OPS. While Christian Walker has held down first base for the Arizona Diamondbacks for several seasons, he is a free agent after 2024, and it is unclear if he will return.
#5: Kavares Tears, outfielder
Projection: Round 2, 65th overall, Texas Rangers
Kavares Tears is another Tennessee Volunteers player who had an elite 2024 season, hitting .324 with 20 home runs, 62 RBIs, 73 runs scored, 79 hits, and a 1.070 OPS. The Texas Rangers have not gotten much production from their outfield and could look to add depth in the 2024 MLB Draft.
#6: Dylan Dreiling, outfielder
Projection: Round 2, 73rd overall, Oakland Athletics
Dylan Dreiling is yet another Tennessee Volunteer who was elite in 2024, hitting .342 with 23 home runs, 75 RBIs, 72 runs scored, 84 hits, and a 1.174 OPS. The Oakland Athletics need help all around the diamond and could target the bat of the Volunteers outfielder in the 2024 MLB Draft.