With the MLB Draft in the rearview mirror we are now in the homestretch of the summer portion of the college baseball offseason.
The transfer portal is still up-and-running but has slowed down and while Tennessee will still be active, they’ve already done the majority of its work in the portal this offseason.
Attention now turns to which draftees will sign professionally, which will opt for college baseball and which players will sign undrafted free agent deals.
Rocky Top Insider will keep you updated on every decision as they are made before the July 25 deadline.
*Story updated as of July 25
Have Signed Professionally
Andrew Lindsey
Lindsey signed for $340,000 with Miami after the Marlins drafted him in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft. The signing bonus was well under the $429,400 slot value for the pick.
The Charlotte transfer was extremely effective in his lone season in Knoxville, helping turn around Tennessee’s season as its Friday night starter.
Chase Dollander
Dollander signed for $5,716,900 with Colorado after the Rockies took him with the ninth pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The $5.7 million signing bonus was equal to the slot value.
The Evans, Georgia native earned SEC Pitcher of the Year honors in 2022 before having an up-and-down junior season.
Jared Dickey
The Second Team All-SEC outfielder fell all the way to the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft before the Kansas City Royals took him early on the final day of the draft.
Dickey held firm to the signing bonus he wanted and the Royals signed him for $572,500— well over his slot value. It was the highest signing bonus for any player drafted on the third day of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Jake Fitzgibbons
Fitzgibbons signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks after the franchise drafted him in the 14th round of the MLB Draft last week. The left-handed pitcher posted a 3.86 ERA in seven innings pitched in 2023.
The Mount Juliet native entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason before signing with Arizona
Carson Rucker
The lone Tennessee prep signee selected in the MLB Draft, Rucker signed with the Detroit Tigers for $775,000— almost over $150,000 over his slot value. Detroit drafted Rucker in the fourth round.
The Middle Tennessee native is the younger brother of former Tennessee star Jake Rucker and would have competed for a starting job in the middle of the Vols’ infield next season.
Ryan Galanie
Wofford transfer Ryan Galanie will never make it to Knoxville. The reigning SoCon Player of the Year is signed with the Chicago White Sox after they drafted him in the 13th round of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Galanie would have been a starter for Tennessee next season but instead will get a jump on his professional career.
Zach Joyce
The twin brother of Angels reliever Ben Joyce plans to signed with and joined his brother in the Los Angeles organization.
Joyce played just one season at Tennessee where he battled injuries and posted a 1-0 record and 4.35 ERA in 10.1 innings pitched.
Seth Halvorsen
Halvorsen signed with the Colorado Rockies for $200,000 after the franchise selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 MLB Draft. The signing was $63,000 under the slot value.
The Missouri transfer was one of Tennessee’s top relievers in 2023 posting a 3-3 record and 3.83 ERA.
Bryce Jenkins
The Tennessee reliever signed with the New York Mets for $180,000 after the organization drafted him in the 17th round of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Jenkins, a Knoxville native, transferred to Tennessee from junior college last offseason and posted a 1-0 record 5.51 ERA in 16.1 innings pitched in his lone season in Knoxville.
Maui Ahuna
The Tennessee shortstop signed with San Fransisco for $500,000 on the final day for drafted players to sign. The fourth round selection signed for $69,000 under his slot value.
Ahuna hit .312 with 20 doubles, eight home runs and 42 RBIs in his lone season in Knoxville after transferring from Kansas.
Intend To Sign Professionally
Intend To Return To School
N/A
Undrafted Free Agent Signings
N/A
