A number of Tennessee baseball players have entered the transfer portal since it officially opened on Monday. But the Vols received a strong second dose of good news Tuesday. Freshman standout Trent Grindlinger is returning to Tennessee for his sophomore season, Volquest’s Eric Cain first reported and a source confirmed to RTI.
The news comes just a few short hours after standout freshman pitcher Cam Appenzeller also announced his intentions to return for his sophomore season.
Grindlinger earned Freshman All-SEC honors this season, slashing .345/.414/.572 with eight home runs, seven doubles and 29 RBIs. The California native played in 43 games and started 36. He helped Tennessee’s offense turn the corner midway through SEC play after earning the starting designated hitter spot.
The star freshman was one of Tennessee’s best hitters in SEC play, slashing .322/.398/.517 with four homers, five doubles and 18 RBIs.
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Trent Grindlinger is also the older brother of Tennessee baseball signee Jared Grindlinger. However, Jared projects as a first round pick in this summer’s MLB Draft and may never make it to Tennessee.
Grindlinger and Appenzeller were atop the list of players Tennessee needed to retain this offseason. The news helps secure a talented core as Josh Elander and his staff build their roster for next season.
Grindlinger is naturally a catcher which makes the position an interesting spot for Elander to manage next season. While Garrett Wright is likely off to professional baseball, the Vols are in a good spot to retain Stone Lawless and Levi Clark in addition to Grindlinger. Clark spent most his time at first base in his sophomore season but it’s unclear what other sports Grindlinger could play.
Ten Tennessee players have entered the transfer portal this offseason, including utility man Jay Abernathy, catcher Cash Williams, infielder Finley Bates, shortstop Ariel Antigua, infielder Ethan Moore, first baseman Evan Hankins, utility man Hunter High, utility man Chris Newstrom, outfielder Hutson Chance and right-handed pitcher Brayden Krenzel.
After failing to make it out of the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019, Elander and his coaching staff enter a critical offseason. Tennessee will lose a number of players to the portal and will be aggressive adding more talent to its roster.
