Drew Gilbert got the call to the major leagues and made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants on Aug. 8.
The former Tennessee baseball outfielder is the 10th Vol to reach the big leagues under coach Tony Vitello. That number could grow when rosters expand with September call-ups or next season as more Vols are advancing through the minor leagues.
Here are five Vols who could be next to reach the majors.
AJ Causey
Current level: Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A Kansas City Royals)
Causey has been unhittable as a pro, which has gotten him from High-A Quad City to Double-A Northwest Arkansas in his first season. The sidearm pitcher has a unique look that could help him rise quickly.
He was picked in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Royals.
Causey transferred to Tennessee from Jacksonville State and became a dominant pitcher. He tied for the lead in wins nationally with 13. The sidearm pitcher struck out 125 in 91â…“ innings. He was used largely as a long reliever, but started early in SEC play.
Liam Doyle
Current level: Picked No. 5 in 2025 MLB Draft (St. Louis Cardinals)
Doyle hasn’t made his pro debut but he is on the list because he has the profile of a player who won’t be in the minor leagues long. It stands to reason he could debut in the 2026 season as a starter, but he also could fast track to the big leagues as a reliever if the Cardinals so desired.
The hard-throwing left-handed pitcher was picked No. 5 in the 2025 MLB Draft. Doyle was 10-4 with a 3.20 ERA and 164 strikeouts and only 32 walks in 95â…” innings.
Garrett Stallings
Current level: Nashville Sounds (Triple-A Milwaukee Brewers)
Stallings is having the best year of his career with the Triple-A Sounds and is the closest to the majors of any of the current Vols in the minor leagues.
The right-handed pitcher has been a starter and reliever. He has done both well in his fifth minor-league season.
Stallings was picked in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels. He was traded the Baltimore Orioles in December 2020. The Brewers acquired Stallings in May 2024.
Jared Dickey
Current level: Midland RockHounds (Double-A Athletics)
Dickey is a hitter through and through and he is hitting in the Athletics’ system. He was promoted to Double-A on Aug. 1. He hit .382 in his first nine games.
The lefty was drafted in the 11th round by the Kansas City Royals in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Jake Rucker
Current level: Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A Minnesota Twins)
Rucker was a model of consistency in his Tennessee career, which got him drafted in the seventh round by the Twins in 2021. He has been at Double-A for the majority of the past three seasons with a brief call-up to Triple-A earlier in 2025.
He’s rolling right now with Wichita, hitting .308 with five homers in the first 17 games of the second half.
Tennessee baseball players to reach MLB under Tony Vitello
Tennessee has put 10 players in the major leagues under Vitello:
Pitcher Garrett Crochet: Sept. 18, 2020 with the Chicago White SoxThird baseman Andre Lipcius: Sept. 1, 2023 with the Detroit TigersPitcher Ben Joyce: May 29, 2023 with the Los Angeles AngelsInfielder Trey Lipscomb: March 30, 2024 with the Washington NationalsOutfielder Jordan Beck: April 30, 2024 with the Colorado RockiesPitcher Seth Halvorsen: Aug. 30, 2024 with the Colorado RockiesPitcher Chase Dollander: April 6, 2025 with the Colorado RockiesPitcher Blade Tidwell: May 4, 2025 with the New York MetsSecond baseman Christian Moore: June 13, 2025 with Los Angeles AngelsOutfielder Drew Gilbert: Aug. 8, 2024 with San Francisco Giants
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.