Where Tennessee players land on MLB's prospect rankings after championship
After going all the way and taking home the national title, a handful of Tennessee baseball players have seen their MLB draft stock rise due to the national attention.
With the college season wrapped up, MLB.com has updated its big board of the top 250 draft prospects projected to enter the upcoming draft.
Here's where the Vols stand before the event takes place beginning on July 14.
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No. 13 - Christian Moore (2B)
The highest-ranked player is Christian Moore. The second baseman who had a chance at claiming SEC Player of the Year honors took a big step at the plate. He hit .375 on the season with a program single-season record 34 home runs.
In the field, Moore was prone to occasional errors but wasn't a negative by any means. This will be the biggest question at the next level but his bat makes him worth a look at a possible top-10 pick.
No. 32 - Billy Amick (3B)
In second place is Billy Amick. He projects just outside the top-30 due to his elite power. A Clemson transfer, he hit .306 with 23 home runs and 65 RBI in the three-hole during his lone season in Knoxville.
Similar to Moore, the biggest questions are in the field. He showed off a strong arm, though, which should bode well in the pros. There is a chance he moves into the first round due to the positives of his offense.
No. 64 - Drew Beam (RHP)
The first pitcher on the board is Drew Beam. He was a big piece for the Vols in all three seasons he played and projects as a starter at the next level. He started in 51 of his 52 appearances in his career while averaging over five innings pitched per outing.
Over the course of his storied career, Beam produced an ERA of 3.60. Opponents hit just .259 against him and he posted a win-loss record of 26-8.
No. 65 - Blake Burke (1B)
Another powerful bat that will get a hard look as a possible second-rounder is Blake Burke. The first baseman is second in career home runs at Tennessee behind just Moore. As a junior, he raked 20 while hitting .379.
In his final season, Burke became an all-around hitter and placed the ball in all fields for hits. In the field, he took a big step as a first baseman, as well.
No. 66 - Kavares Tears (OF)
Kavares Tears only played two seasons in Knoxville due to redshirting as a freshman. He still managed to put together a phenomenal career, though. This was led by his high exit velocity swing that helped him earn a .324 average and 20 home runs.
In the field, Tears boasts a massive arm that is as good as you'll see at the college level. This should help his stock as he can save runs on hits in the gap.
No. 72 - Dylan Dreiling (OF)
He's a sophomore, but Dylan Dreiling is old enough to be draft-eligible. He provided some of the most memorable moments in Vols history with his walk-off in the College World Series opener against Florida State and home runs in each of the three finals games.
On the season, he hit .341 with 23 home runs. In the field, he was a reliable glove in left field that complimented the other pieces in the outfield.
No. 242 - AJ Causey (RHP)
The final player to crack the top 250 is AJ Causey. The Jacksonville State transfer was used as a reliever but typically went long lengths after being set up. He did start in six of his 19 appearances, though.
It's likely Causey will stay in the bullpen at the next level. He owned a 4.43 ERA and 13-3 record with Tennessee and a funky arm angle makes him a valuable tool for any team.
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