The Pittsburgh Pirates added an exciting outfield talent when they selected Andrew Duncan in the 19th round, 558th overall, of the 2026 MLB Draft. The 19‑round pick arrived after a standout 2026 season at Wright State, where Duncan posted a .367 batting average with six home runs, six triples, 36 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. He committed to Tennessee on June 26 and is now positioned to vie for a starting center‑field spot with the Volunteers.
Path to the Draft
Duncan’s journey to the draft began at Florida State, where he was taken by Houston in the 19th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. After limited action as a freshman, he transferred to Tallahassee State College, a junior‑college program. There he slashed .379 with three homers and 20 RBIs across 32 games, rebuilding his draft stock before heading to the NCAA ranks.
What He Brings to Tennessee
At Tennessee, Duncan is expected to supply both batting average and speed. His .367 mark at Wright State and 12 steals indicate a player capable of hitting for average while disrupting defenses with his baserunning. Coaches will monitor his adjustment to the SEC environment as he steps into the Volunteers’ outfield mix.
Draft Reaction
Pirates scouts praised Duncan’s bat speed and versatility in all three outfield spots, while noting his potential to become a regular in center field. The organization’s focus on a late‑round pick underscores a willingness to target college talent with upside rather than immediate major‑league readiness.
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Blake Grimmer (14) rounds third base towards home plate during an NCAA college baseball game against Texas in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 8, 2026.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Blake Grimmer (14) rounds third base towards home plate during an NCAA college baseball game against Texas in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 8, 2026.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Wright State’s Andrew Duncan (14) celebrates running home safely during a baseball game between Tennessee and Wright State in Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, March 6, 2026.
(Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee pitcher Cam Appenzeller (19) throws the ball during a NCAA baseball game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on April 18, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Texas Tech’s infielder Travis Sanders (14) throws the ball to first base against Stephen F. Austin in a non‑conference baseball game, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Rip Griffin Park.
(Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee catcher Trent Grindlinger (30) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during a NCAA baseball game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on April 18, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Landon Mack (18) pumps his fist during a college baseball game between Tennessee and LSU at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee., on April 3, 2026.
(Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Mar 1, 2025; Greenville, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks pitcher Jake McCoy (23) reacts after striking out a batter against the Clemson Tigers during the top of the fourth inning at Fluor Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network via Imagn Images
(Ken Ruinard, Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Levi Clark (16) gets to second base after hitting a double against Texas in an NCAA college baseball game on May 10, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
UC Irvine’s Ricky Ojeda pitches against Texas Tech during a non‑conference Division I baseball game, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at Dan Law Field.
(Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal, Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Blaine Brown (1) catches the ball during a NCAA baseball game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on April 18, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee catcher Stone Lawless (27) signals during a NCAA baseball game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on April 18, 2026c
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Will Haas (42) pitches against Texas during an NCAA college baseball game on May 10, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Chandler Day (48) pitches against Texas in an NCAA college baseball game on May 10, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Saul Young/News Sentinel, Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee’s Tyler Myatt (20) bats during a NCAA baseball game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on April 18, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
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Tennessee baseball 2027 roster for Vols in Josh Elander’s second season
Tennessee pitcher Brady Frederick (6) pitches during a NCAA baseball game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Lindsey Nelson Stadium on April 18, 2026.
(Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel)
He started his career at Florida State, choosing to play in college after being selected in the 19th round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. After barely playing as a freshman, Duncan transferred to Tallahassee State College, a junior college, where he hit .379 with three homers and 20 RBIs in 32 games.
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