AJ Russell was 4-2 with a 2.70 ERA in three seasons with Tennessee baseball. He struck out 104 in 70 innings across 42 appearances with 11 starts.

Marcus Phillips was 4-5 with a 3.90 ERA in 17 starts in 2025 with Tennessee baseball. He struck out 98 in 83 innings and walked 34.

Already having taken University of Oklahoma standout Kyson Witherspoon with their first-round pick, the Red Sox went with University of Tennessee right-hander Marcus Phillips with the 33rd overall pick, as part of Competitive Balance Round A.