The University of Tennessee baseball program will add a local talent this fall after Michael Teasley announced he is withdrawing from the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft and intends to play for the Volunteers.
Local recruit chooses Knoxville over pro route
Teasley, a 2026 graduate from Oak Ridge High School, shared the decision on Instagram after he was not selected in the first four rounds of the MLB Draft. In a brief statement he thanked teams for their consideration and said he consulted with family and his inner circle before deciding to head to Knoxville.
“I am withdrawing my name from the MLB draft ... I am excited to hit the ground running at The University of Tennessee!”
The move gives coach Josh Elander and his staff a player listed by scouting service Perfect Game as No. 151 in the 2027 recruiting class and among the top prospects at third base in that class. Perfect Game’s profile lists Teasley as a multi-positional player — third base, outfield and right-handed pitcher — and highlights both his offensive and pitching tools.
Profile and on-field tools
Perfect Game’s scouting notes describe Teasley as a 6-foot, 190-pound athlete with speed and arm strength. The service projects him primarily at third base long term but also documents his capability as a two-way player. Key measurables and scouting details provided include:
- Listed frame: 6-0, 190 lbs
- 60-yard dash: 6.80 seconds
- Primary positions: 3B / OF / RHP
| Skill | Note |
|---|---|
| Hitting | Right-handed with strength in swing and pull power; flashes loud contact |
| Throwing (pitching) | Fastball topped at 94 mph with riding action; curveball showed spin and bite |
Implications for Tennessee baseball
For Knoxville-area fans, Teasley’s commitment represents a tangible win for the Vols’ recruiting class. The program will be able to develop his two-way potential on campus under Elander’s staff, rather than losing him immediately to a professional organization. Teasley’s background as an Oak Ridge product also continues a pipeline of Knox County-area talent staying close to home to play for Tennessee.
Perfect Game ranks him among the top third base prospects in his class, and the Volunteers will now have the opportunity to work with his frame and tools in the collegiate environment.
Next steps
Teasley is expected to enroll and join the Tennessee program for the upcoming season. The timeline for his arrival, position development and the role he will play in the Volunteers’ lineup will be determined by the coaching staff as spring practice and fall workouts approach.
Local baseball observers will watch how Tennessee integrates the Oak Ridge native into the roster and whether he remains a two-way contributor or settles into a single position at the collegiate level.
