Vanderbilt Baseball Set to Sign MLB Draft Picks

Top prospects headed to the pros

Five current Vanderbilt Commodores and eight signees were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. All six players chosen in the top ten rounds – Eric Booth Jr., Aiden Ruiz, Sean Duncan, Luke Williams, Keon Johnson and Collin Bland – are expected to sign professional contracts. The veteran contributors making the jump include Mike Mancini (ninth round), Braden Holcomb (12th round), Alex Kranzler (17th round) and Luke Guth (19th round). Those four current players are also projected to agree to deals before the July 27 deadline.

Uncertain futures for two signees

Two signees from the 2026 class sit in a more ambiguous position. James Tronstein and David Hinojosa, both selected in the 15th round, have not yet committed to a professional contract, leaving their status open heading into the final signing period. The rest of the signees are presumed to be moving on to MLB organizations. The uncertainty around these two could influence Vanderbilt’s roster for the 2027 season.

One Commodore opts to return

Connor Fennell, a current player drafted in the 20th round, announced on July 17 that he will re‑join the Vanderbilt program for the 2027 campaign. Fennell’s decision gives Coach Tim Corbin an experienced arm for next year’s roster. His return adds depth to a pitching staff that already features several promising prospects. The choice also signals confidence in the college environment at Vanderbilt.

Deadline looms for contracts

All drafted Vanderbilt athletes have until July 27 at 4 p.m. CT to sign their professional contracts. The signing window provides a clear timeline for both the players and the MLB teams that selected them. Failure to sign by that date would likely return the player to college baseball. The clock is ticking for the uncertain signees to make their decisions.

Signing bonus tracker

Below is a quick look at the bonus figures that have been reported for the Vanderbilt signees who have already committed:

• OF Eric Booth Jr. – drafted seventh overall by the Baltimore Orioles, slot value $7,327,200, signing bonus $7,324,700.
• LHP Sean Duncan – selected 63rd overall by the New York Yankees, slot $1,451,700, signing bonus $2,497,500.

This story will be updated as more players finalize their professional agreements.

2027 Vanderbilt roster slideshow