Tennessee baseball players Grant Cherry, J.D. McCracken and Nathan Smith entered the transfer portal last week, a Tennessee spokesperson confirmed to RTI Sunday.
The trio all entered the transfer portal after one season in Knoxville. Cherry and McCracken earned limited playing time while Smith didn’t play in his lone season in Knoxville.
Cherry — a Vestavia Hills, Alabama native — posted a 5.40 ERA in five midweek appearances during his lone season in Knoxville. The RHP posted a 3.00 WHIP in 3.1 innings pitched.
McCracken also pitched 3.1 innings during his freshman season in Knoxville, posting an 8.10 ERA and 1.80 WHIP. The left-handed pitcher made just three appearances, all in midweek outings.
Smith didn’t play in his freshman season, serving as a bullpen and emergency catcher for the SEC Champions.
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The baseball transfer portal slows down at the end of June. While players can enter the transfer portal after June 30, they are not guaranteed immediate eligibility and have to apply for immediate eligibility.
The three Tennessee players join fellow freshman Kruise Newman as the only Volunteer players to enter the transfer portal this offseason.
Tennessee has landed three players out of the transfer portal to date, including All-Big 12 shortstop Maui Ahuna, Austin Peay catcher Jack Alexander and Alabama third baseman Zane Denton.
Denton returns home to the ‘Volunteer State’ after attending Brentwood’s Ravenwood High School and Alabama for his first three college seasons.
All three incoming transfers have a chance to earn starting spots as the Vols are poised to lose a number of starters in the infield.
Tennessee is actively pursuing Air Force catcher/right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes. While the Vols return catcher Charlie Dickey and utility man Jared Dickey, they lose Evan Russell.
