3 late-round 2024 MLB Draft stars from Tennessee Vols

The Tennessee Volunteers had a 2024 season that will forever go into the history of the Knoxville school, as they won their maiden baseball national title. In their first back-to-back appearance in the College World Series, they defeated the Texas A&M Aggies in a three-game series final.

With so much unprecedented success, it was to be expected that several Vols would be making the jump to MLB organizations. In total, nine Tennessee players were drafted into the MLB. Second baseman Christian Moore was the highest pick, selected with the eighth overall pick of the Los Angeles Angels draft.

But let us check the bank for buck picks made late in the draft.

3 late-round 2024 MLB draft picks from Tennessee

#3 Aaron Combs P - Chicago White Sox

Combs was a rather important relief pitcher for Tony Vitello's team. The righty secured the ninth inning of the Vols' victory over the LSU Tigers in the SEC championship game with two important outs. He was a 2022-23 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll selection and also provided important relief in the CWS. He was picked with the 229th draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in the eighth round.

#2 Drew Beam P - Kansas City Royals

Beam was a key part of the national champions' pitching rotation. He had a record of 9-2 in the 2024 season and an ERA of 4.22. The right-hander threw the first four innings of the first Vols' win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the CWS finals. For his effort, Bam was made a third-team All-American. He was picked by the Royals with the 76th draft pick in the third round.

#1 Kavares Tears OF - San Diego Padres

Kavares Tears, a redshirt sophomore for Tennessee, was ostensibly not expecting to be selected this year, thus his decision to be a redshirt. However, Monday gave Tears the opportunity he was probably waiting for. He was the 134th draft pick, in the compensatory round between the fourth and fifth rounds, by the San Diego Padres. Tears hit .324 with 20 homers and 62 RBIs in 2024.