The college baseball transfer portal is officially open. For the first time in a number of years, Tennessee’s season is already over with the portal opening which allows the Vols to fully focus on the portal and building their roster for next season.
Tennessee will lose players to the transfer portal and could lose some big names that alter what the Vols’ biggest needs are. But with the portal officially opening today, here’s the five biggest needs for Tennessee in the portal.
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Relief Pitching
Tennessee’s bullpen was an unmitigated disaster last season. Cam Appenzeller, Brandon Arvidson and Bo Rhudy were the only productive relievers on the Vols’ 2026 roster. Arvidson and Rhudy are both likely headed to professional baseball while if the Vols retain Appenzeller then he’ll likely move into the starting rotation.
There’s some young pitchers who are talented and could develop into good bullpen pieces next season. Will Haas and Chandler Day are near the top of that list, but Taylor Tracey, Nic Abraham, Ethan Baiotto and Jackson Estes will also be worth tracking if they return to school.
But Tennessee needs to add more experienced and reliable relievers. Preferably that includes the power arms that the Vols lacked in their bullpen last season.
Starting Pitching
Starting pitching is a bit more up in the air. The Vols will lose weekend starters Evan Blanco (graduation) and Tegan Kuhns (MLB Draft).
If Landon Mack and Cam Appenzeller return then Tennessee will only need to add one quality starting pitcher. But if either Mack or Appenzeller enter the transfer portal then Tennessee will need to be aggressive pursuing multiple starting pitchers.
While there’s some talented returning pitchers, Appenzeller is the only one that seemingly has the ability to step into a starting role next season.
Middle Infield
Manny Marin started at shortstop for Tennessee all season while a number of Vols started at second base before Blake Grimmer mostly settled into the spot. But with both Marin and Grimmer eligible for the MLB Draft, the Vols could have to replace both.
Rising junior Jay Abernathy could start at either spot if he decides to return. Tyler Myatt could compete for the second base job if he finds his footing in his second season. But it seems unlikely any other returning Vols would win a starting job in the middle infield next season.
If either Marin or Grimmer decide to return for another season then the need gets a good bit smaller.
Third Base
Tennessee has started a transfer third baseman for three of the last four seasons. It’s been a profitable run including Zane Denton, Billy Amick and Henry Ford. With Ford off to professional baseball, Tennessee will need a new third baseman again next season.
If Grimmer returns, he could slide over to the spot that he spent most of his first two collegiate seasons. Myatt or rising redshirt freshman Evan Hankins could push for playing time here, but the Vols will likely look to add a power bat out of the transfer portal.
Outfield
Reese Chapman is out of eligibility while Garrett Wright is likely headed to professional baseball after one year in Knoxville. Starting left fielder Blaine Brown could return next season and Abernathy could make an impact in centerfield.
Nate Eisfelder showed flashes as a true freshman and earned two starts in the SEC Tournament. The Johnson City native could step into a starting role in his sophomore season if he turns in a strong offseason.
There’s a path to three returning players starting in the outfield but the Vols will want to add competition int he outfield this offseason.
