Greensboro, North Carolina, August 13, 2025
News Summary
In a notable decision for aspiring baseball players, Clay Edmondson, a right-handed pitcher from UNC Asheville, has committed to the University of Tennessee for the 2026 season. This announcement comes amidst his eligibility for the 2025 MLB Draft, potentially changing his baseball path entirely. Edmondson, who boasts an impressive 5-1 record and a low 2.01 ERA in the 2025 season, is known for his submarine pitching style and fastballs reaching 95 mph. His commitment highlights the trend of college athletes transitioning to professional baseball.
Greensboro, North Carolina – In a significant development for aspiring professional baseball players, Clay Edmondson, a right-handed pitcher from the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC Asheville), has committed to joining the University of Tennessee baseball program for the 2026 season. This decision comes as he remains draft eligible for the 2025 MLB Draft, raising the possibility that he may not play a game for Tennessee after his commitment.
Edmondson confirmed his commitment to Tennessee on April 24, 2025, through an announcement on his Instagram account. His engagement comes as a result of being a graduate transfer, allowing him the opportunity to enter the transfer portal early. This strategic move means he can secure a spot on Tennessee’s roster while still having a chance to enter the upcoming MLB Draft.
During the 2025 season, Edmondson has shown impressive performance with a 5-1 record and a striking 2.01 earned run average (ERA). He has made 10 starts for UNC Asheville, accumulating 65 strikeouts in 62.2 innings pitched. His effectiveness on the mound represents a significant improvement after facing injury setbacks in previous seasons.
Edmondson’s career has not been without its challenges. In the previous year, he made only one start in the 2024 season due to injuries that kept him sidelined. His sophomore year in 2023 was also difficult, as he recorded a 5-3 record with a 5.50 ERA across 72 innings, striking out 68 batters in 14 appearances.
Prior to transferring to UNC Asheville, Edmondson played at Guilford Technical Community College. Known for his submarine pitching style, he can deliver fastballs that reach speeds up to 95 mph, showcasing his potential as an impactful player on the field.
Edmondson’s decision to commit to Tennessee adds him to a list of talented athletes who have made the jump from the college circuit to professional baseball. Notably, the Tennessee baseball program has seen transfer commitments that were selected in the MLB Draft in past seasons, including Ryan Galanie (2023) and Eric Rataczak (2024).
Despite being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2025 MLB Draft as the 430th overall pick in the 14th round, Edmondson has confirmed his intention to sign with the Padres and begin his professional career, potentially foregoing his time at Tennessee altogether.
Standing at 6-feet-2 inches and weighing 195 pounds, Edmondson hails from Greensboro, North Carolina. In his commitment announcement, he expressed gratitude toward his family, teammates, and coaches at UNC Asheville, emphasizing the invaluable experiences and relationships developed during his three years at the university.
As the upcoming MLB Draft approaches, the baseball community will be watching Clay Edmondson’s journey closely, expecting big things from the promising pitcher, whether it be in college or professional baseball.
FAQs
Who is Clay Edmondson?
Clay Edmondson is a right-handed pitcher currently playing for UNC Asheville, who has committed to the University of Tennessee for the 2026 baseball season.
Why is Edmondson’s commitment significant?
His commitment is significant because he is draft eligible for the 2025 MLB Draft, meaning he might not play for Tennessee before starting his professional career.
What is Edmondson’s performance history?
In the 2025 season, he has a 5-1 record and a 2.01 ERA with 65 strikeouts. In previous seasons, he faced injuries, limiting his appearances and performance.
Key Features of Clay Edmondson’s Commitment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Team | UNC Asheville |
| New Commitment | University of Tennessee (2026 season) |
| Draft Eligibility | Eligible for 2025 MLB Draft |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″, 195 lbs |
| Pitching Style | Submarine pitcher, up to 95 mph |
| 2025 Season Record | 5-1 with a 2.01 ERA |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Knox News
- 247 Sports
- ON3
- World Baseball
- Vols Wire
- Wikipedia: Clay Edmondson
- Google Search: Clay Edmondson Tennessee baseball
- Google Scholar: Clay Edmondson baseball
- Google News: Clay Edmondson Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
