Tennessee baseball infielder Ariel Antigua committed to Arizona on Friday afternoon nearly three weeks after entering the transfer portal. Antigua announced his commitment on Instagram.
Antigua had a role each of his three years at Tennessee but has never earned a consistent starting one. He started 40 games in his three years including 20 as a sophomore in 2025 and 14 as a junior during the 2026 season.
The Florida native is an extremely talented defender who made a number of flashy plays with his glove over the last three years. Tennessee often used him as a late-inning defensive sub which led to him playing in 130 games over the last three seasons.
But Antigua’s struggles at the plate kept him from ever earning a consistent starting job. Antigua hit .199 with seven doubles, one home run and 24 total RBIs during his three seasons at Tennessee.
Antigua lands at an Arizona program that is a constant contender. The Wildcats have made the NCAA Tournament five straight times including trips to the College World Series in 2021 and 2025. Arizona has made the College World Series 19 times in program history including four national championships.
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The Vols’ middle infield is uncertain for next season. Starting shortstop Manny Marin entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason while Blake Grimmer is eligible for this summer’s MLB Draft. Backup middle infielders Antigua and Jay Abernathy both transferred.
Sixteen Tennessee players have entered the transfer portal this offseason including infielder Ethan Moore first baseman Evan Hankins, right-handed pitcher Nic Abraham, outfielder Nate Eisfelder, shortstop Manny Marin, utility man Jay Abernathy, catcher Cash Williams, infielder Finley Bates, shortstop Ariel Antigua, utility man Hunter High, utility man Chris Newstrom, outfielder Hutson Chance, right-handed pitcher Brayden Krenzel, two-way Taylor Tracey, right-handed pitcher Sawyer Deering and right-handed pitcher Ari Bethea.
Tennessee baseball has landed four transfer commits to date— Mercer two-way Braydon Kersey, Northwestern LHP Brody Trosclair, Air Force second baseman Wyatt Hanoian and UC Irvine left-handed pitcher Ricky Ojeda.
A number of Tennessee players have announced intentions to return for next season including RHP Landon Mack, LHP Cam Appenzeller, first baseman Levi Clark, catcher Trent Grindlinger, catcher Stone Lawless, left fielder Blaine Brown and LHP Will Haas.
