Vanderbilt baseball signee James Tronstein picked by Houston Astros in 2026 MLB Draft

James Tronstein, a Vanderbilt baseball recruit, was selected in the 15th round in the 2026 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros on July 12.It was not immediately clear whether Tronstein would sign. Many high schoolers taken in the 15th round don't sign and instead head to school.

One pick later, Commodores commit David Hinojosa was taken by the Cincinnati Reds.The No. 40 player in the 2026 class by Perfect Game who attended Harvard-Westlake School, Tronstein was ranked the No.

170 draft prospect by MLB Pipeline.He is best known for his athleticism, which allows him to project in center field or potentially at shortstop. But the 5-11, 170-pounder also showed surprising power for his size at the MLB Draft Combine, raising his stock.

Tronstein was one of the latest additions to the 2026 class, flipping from Stanford in September. If he makes it to campus, he will compete for immediate playing time, likely in the outfield.Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean.

Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt baseball signee James Tronstein picked by Houston Astros in 2026 MLB Draft