AJ Russell

Last updated
49+13 innings of work after having a breakout junior season in 2021, posting a 3-0 record with a 0.63 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 44+13 innings pitched. [3]

Russell pitched sparing as a freshman, though appearing in two College World Series elimination games. As a sophomore in 2024 with the Tennessee Volunteers of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Russell pitched in three games before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He returned from injury during the SEC Tournament, pitching an inning against Vanderbilt. [4] In 2025, Russell made six starts with 12 total appearances post-injury, striking out 36 over 25+13 innings of work.

Professional career

Russell entered the 2025 Major League Baseball draft as a top pitching prospect. [5] In the draft, Russell was selected by the Texas Rangers in the second round with the 52nd overall pick. [6] He signed with the Rangers for a $2.6 million bonus on July 24, 2025. [7]

References

  1. Tennessee's AJ Russell picked by Texas Rangers in second round of 2025 MLB Draft
  2. AJ Russell Class of 2022
  3. Franklin's A.J. Russell commits to Tennessee baseball
  4. Tennessee Baseball Pitcher AJ Russell's Return From Tommy John Surgery
  5. Projections for five Tennessee baseball players in 2025 MLB draft first round
  6. Cain, Eric (July 13, 2025). "AJ Russell selected by Rangers in second round of MLB Draft". on3.com. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
  7. "Draft Signings: Schoolcraft, Watson, Russell, Quick, Flemming, Root". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
AJ Russell
Texas Rangers
Pitcher
Born: (2004-06-29) June 29, 2004 (age 21)
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right