Former Morgan County right-handed pitcher Ty Tillery recently participated in the 2026 MLB Draft Combine, held June 23-26 in Phoenix.
The Auburn signee played a key role in the Diamond Dogs’ 2026 state championship season and now faces a major decision: honor his Division I commitment or begin his professional career.
The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for July 11-12 in Philadelphia and will span 20 rounds.
According to MLB.com, the 2026 combine featured 334 players, including 194 collegiate athletes and 140 high school prospects. Of those invited, 192 are ranked among MLB’s top 200 draft prospects.
Tillery described the combine as an unforgettable experience that allowed him to compete alongside many of the nation’s top players while reconnecting with former summer league teammates.
He officially received his invitation on May 14 during Morgan County’s GHSA Class 2A state semifinal sweep of Franklin County.
“I actually received the invite by email during the game, and my parents showed me the email as soon as I got off the field,” Tillery said. “I was honored to be a part of it all. I had appointments scheduled throughout the week and was able to do everything needed for them to gather information.”
Tillery starred as a two-way player during his senior season, earning Region Player of the Year and First-Team All-State honors.
On the mound, he posted a 0.903 ERA over 62 innings, striking out 83 batters while allowing just eight earned runs.
At the plate, Tillery drove in 37 runs, hit six home runs, drew 20 walks, and finished with a .429 batting average.
The attention from professional scouts began well before his senior baseball season.
According to Tillery, he remained in regular contact with MLB organizations throughout both football and baseball seasons and noticed the interest intensify as Morgan County advanced through the postseason.
“I had questionnaires for 20 teams that took hours to complete, and team meetings and Zooms during football and baseball season,” Tillery said. “Sometimes scouts showed up at school for visits, football games, and baseball practices. The same recruiters kept in touch with me during the process, and toward the end of the season and into the playoffs, we started to see cross-checkers coming in and people from the front offices.”
Despite the growing attention, Tillery said he remained focused on helping Morgan County finish its championship run while relying on his family’s support to keep him grounded.
“My goal was to finish strong in my hometown,” Tillery said. “My family always encouraged me to stay where my feet were.”
“It was week by week doing what had to be done, staying focused on weekly tasks and praying that the bigger goals in mind would come from staying consistent,” he added.
Now, with the draft approaching, Tillery said his focus remains on continuing to develop as a player, particularly on the mound, regardless of where his career begins.
“I have really prayed about it and feel like whatever is ahead will be a true blessing,” Tillery said. “I am just thankful to have these opportunities and options.”