The 2026 Tennessee high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at the state tournament championships – but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

Please note that all Team Previews were submitted by High School Coaches.

High School: Mt. Juliet High School
Head Coach: Kyle Douglas
TSSAA Classification: 4A
District: Region 4 District 7
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 7-18-1

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• OF Tucker Griffith (2026)
• RHP Carter Lewis (2027)
• INF Jake James (2026)
• CINF Kolton Tench (2026)
• RHP Matthew Dickey (2026)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• Carter Lewis
• Matthew Dickey
  

More Names to Know

2027s:

• Chase Kupchik

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• Isaiah Steward (2028)
• Cooper Burgett (2028)
• Max Milliner (2028)
• Calan Shane (2029)

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Mt. Juliet enters the 2026 season focused on growth and internal development after a 7–18–1 campaign a year ago. Under head coach Kyle Douglas, the Bears return a competitive core with meaningful varsity experience, particularly across the 2026 and 2027 classes. With several multi-year contributors back in the fold, Mt. Juliet will look to turn experience into production as it navigates Region 4, District 7 in Class 4A.

Offensively, Tucker Griffith (2026) provides athleticism and stability in the outfield. His ability to cover ground defensively while contributing quality at-bats gives the Bears an important presence near the top or middle of the order. Jake James (2026) returns as a key infield piece who brings versatility and reliability on the dirt, while Kolton Tench (2026) offers flexibility as a corner infield option who can move around the diamond as needed.

Matthew Dickey (2026) adds another experienced piece, bringing value both offensively and on the mound. His ability to handle innings while still factoring into the lineup gives Mt. Juliet lineup and pitching flexibility. That multi-role profile is a theme throughout this roster, allowing the coaching staff to mix and match as the season progresses.

On the mound, Carter Lewis (2027) headlines the returning staff and projects as a primary arm in the rotation. His ability to log innings and compete in district play will be a major factor in the Bears’ success this spring. Dickey slots in alongside him, giving Mt. Juliet a one-two punch that can stabilize the front end of the staff. Establishing consistency on the mound will be a key storyline, especially in a district where pitching depth often dictates postseason positioning.

The 2027 class continues to develop with Chase Kupchik as a name to monitor, while the next wave of underclassmen is already pushing for meaningful roles. Isaiah Steward, Cooper Burgett, and Max Milliner (all 2028s) bring athletic upside and could factor into the lineup early. Freshman Calan Shane (2029) adds long-term projection and gives the program another developmental piece to build around.

With a core of experienced upperclassmen, multi-positional depth, and two returning arms capable of anchoring the staff, Mt. Juliet enters 2026 looking to take measurable steps forward. If the Bears can tighten up run prevention and generate more consistent offensive production, they have the framework to improve upon last year’s record and compete more effectively within District 7 play.

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Find more information on Mt. Juliet High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @MJbearsbaseball
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our TSSAA Season Preview page

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