Tennessee baseball has become one of the nation’s top programs in recent seasons under head coach Tony Vitello. And the Vols have parlayed success on the field with increased success on the recruiting trail.
After signing the top-rated recruiting class in 2024, Tennessee baseball followed it up with the top-rated 2025 recruiting class according to Perfect Game.
Tennessee originally signed 20 players in its 2025 recruiting class before three signed professionally, opting to begin their professional careers instead of coming to Tennessee. But the 17 players that arrived on Tennessee’s campus still make up an elite recruiting class.
Both LHP Cameron Appenzeller and infielder Ethan Moore were MLB Draft selections but decided to come to Tennessee instead of beginning their professional careers. Appenzeller was the highest rated Tennessee commit to make it to campus, ranking as the No. 22 player and No. 3 left-handed pitcher according to Perfect Game.
Tennessee had six players ranked in the nation’s top 100 make it to campus including catcher Trent Grindlinger (No. 30), outfielder Taylor Tracey (No. 89), RHP Ethan Baiotto (No. 93), shortstop Ethan Moore (No. 94) and outfielder Nathan Eisfelder (No. 100).
The Vols signed four more players ranked in the top 300 of Perfect Game’s rankings and had 14 total signees ranked in the top 400 make it to campus.
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Tennessee baseball’s fall practice begins later this month and members of the Vols freshmen class will get their first taste of college baseball and will compete for positions. Both Appenzeller and Moore will particularly have the chance to push for playing time as freshmen.
The Vols do not have an abundance of left-handed pitching and one of their top lefties, Brandon Arvidson and Evan Blanco, will likely earn a weekend starting spot. That opens up the possibility for Appenzeller to earn a bullpen role in his true freshman season.
Tennessee will have a number of position battles this fall and middle infield is one of the main open competitions. Moore will compete for a starting spot, likely at second base, with others like Manny Marin, Ariel Antigua and San Diego State infielder Finley Bates.
Vitello’s program is coming off a strong season where they made it to the super regionals. But after the program’s recent success even Vitello has admitted that missing Omaha has left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. Over the last five years, Tennessee has won the SEC Regular Season and Tournament twice each, won five regionals, made it to the College World Series three times and won the 2024 National Championship.
