Trevor Condon, a catcher-turned-outfielder who signed with the University of Tennessee in November, was selected 13th overall in the 2026 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals on July 11.
From Woodstock to the big-league radar
Condon, a native of Woodstock, Georgia, is listed at 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds and bats left-handed. Major League Baseball Pipeline ranked him as the No. 13 prospect entering the draft, the highest among Tennessee signees heading into the event. The pick carries a slot value of $5,661,300.
Condon had long been projected as an early selection, and his first-round selection all but removes the expectation that he will play for the Vols this fall. As of publication, no signing agreement has been announced.
"I'm blessed. I can't be more grateful. I can't be more excited. I am honored to be a Cardinal and they're going to see what they got. That's for sure," Condon said in a post-draft interview on MLB Network.
He was chosen one spot after fellow Tennessee signee Jared Grindlinger, who was selected at No. 12 by the Los Angeles Angels. Both high school first-round picks face the standard decision: sign a professional contract or enroll and play at Tennessee. Historically, high school players chosen in the top of the first round rarely make the trip to campus when presented with a significant signing bonus.
What this means for Tennessee baseball
The Vols entered the 2026 draft with a highly regarded recruiting class that included multiple prospects invited to the draft combine. With Condon likely to turn pro, Tennessee’s incoming roster will be affected, and the program’s coaching staff may need to shift plans for outfield depth and immediate contributors.
- Draft date: July 11–12, 2026 (first day featured rounds 1–4)
- Condon’s pick: No. 13 overall, St. Louis Cardinals
- Slot value: $5,661,300
Players selected in the draft have until July 27 at 5 p.m. Eastern to sign contracts; undrafted eligible players may sign as free agents through the start of their college fall semester. Until Condon or the Cardinals make terms public, his immediate future remains undecided.
| Player | Pick | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor Condon | 13 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Jared Grindlinger | 12 | Los Angeles Angels |
For Tennessee fans and local observers, Condon’s selection is a reminder of the program’s recruiting pull and the way the draft can reshape roster expectations before a freshman ever steps on campus. The Vols’ staff will continue managing signings and roster moves through late July as signees and draftees make their decisions.
Coverage of the draft’s top picks was carried across NBC, Peacock and MLB Network, with additional rounds streamed on MLB.com. The outcomes for top high school picks, particularly those slated in the first round, will determine whether they wear a college uniform in Knoxville or begin their professional careers immediately.
