Tennessee infielder Dean Curley signed with the Cleveland Guardians for $1,773,905 on Saturday after the franchise drafted him with the 21st pick in the second round of MLB Draft earlier this month, MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis first reported.
Curley is the last Tennessee draftee to sign professionally but he made It count, signing for nearly $400,000 more than the $1.38 million slot value that the No. 64 pick in the draft demands.
A La Verne, California native, Curley played just two seasons at Tennessee, but they were highly impactful. Curley was Tennessee’s starting shortstop as a true freshman on its 2024 national championship team and finished the season hitting .285 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles and 50 RBIs. After a midseason slump, Curley found his rhythm in the postseason and was highly effective in the College World Series.
During that freshman campaign, Curly was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team, Freshman All-American Second- Team and the College World Series All-Tournament Team.
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Curley struggled defensively, particularly throwing the ball, during his sophomore season and ended up playing second base. At the plate, Curley remained effective and slashed .315/.435/.531 with 14 home runs, eight doubles and 51 RBIs.
It’s unclear which position Curley will settle at in professional baseball. He played second base, shortstop and third base at Tennessee and could feasibly play any of those positions in pro ball.
Curley is the eighth and final Tennessee baseball draft pick to sign with the franchise that selected him, joining LHP Liam Doyle, 1B/3B Andrew Fischer, MI Gavin Kilen, RHP Marcus Phillips, RHP Tanner Franklin, RHP Nate Snead and C Cannon Peebles.
There will be a familiar face with Curley as he begins his professional career as the Guardians also drafted Peebles in the 17th round of the draft.
Tennessee has to replace middle infielders Kilen and Curley from its 2025 team but has returning and newcomer options to do so. Ariel Anigua, Manny Marin, San Diego State transfer Finley Bates, JUCO transfer Tyler Myatt and incoming freshman Ethan Moore are amidst the top options.
