​Connor Fennell, Vanderbilt baseball’s Friday night starter in 2026, was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 20th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. It remained unclear at the time whether he would sign with Chicago or return to Vanderbilt for his senior season.
In 2026, Fennell made 15 starts, posting a 4.96 ERA across 85 1/3 innings. He fanned 102 batters while issuing only 20 walks, but he also surrendered a notable number of extra-base hits, allowing 17 home runs and 15 doubles. Despite occasional vulnerability to hard contact, Fennell was Vanderbilt’s most dependable starting pitcher for much of the year. He logged six quality starts, five of which came in the Southeastern Conference, and registered three or fewer runs allowed in 10 of his 15 outings. His overall ERA was significantly affected by two rough outings—seven runs allowed against LSU and nine against Texas—highlighting how one or two rough starts could tilt his season.
The 6-foot-1, 183-pound right-hander transferred to Vanderbilt from Dayton in 2024. In 2025, he thrived in a swing role, posting a 2.53 ERA over 17 appearances. Fennell’s fastball sits in the upper 80s, but its effectiveness stems from its deception and low release point, which help him navigate hitters despite not possessing elite velocity. His best off-speed offering is his changeup, and he also tends to mix in a slow slider.
Fennell’s season did not lack notable moments or progress. He emerged as the Commodores’ most reliable option on Fridays, often delivering innings and keeping Vanderbilt competitive in ACC play. Coaches and scouts took note of how his pitching profile could translate to higher levels, even if his raw velocity didn’t scream power arms typical of top-round selections. While some outings exposed the vulnerability to long balls and costly damage at times, Fennell’s ability to limit free passes and command multiple pitches offered a blueprint for potential growth and adjustment at the next level.
As news of the draft circulated, Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin continued to monitor his players closely, including Fennell, who had become a staple in the Commodores’ rotation. The decision to sign with the White Sox or return for another college season loomed large, with Fennell weighing the benefits of an immediate jump to professional baseball against the chance to further refine his craft in college and possibly improve his draft stock for the future.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson. This rewrite draws from reporting that originally appeared in the Nashville Tennessean regarding Vanderbilt baseball and Connor Fennell’s draft status after the 2026 season.