A Powerful Addition to the Volunteer Roster
Mario Trivella, a transfer infielder from Florida International, has officially committed to the University of Tennessee, adding a bat that proved lethal in the Sun Belt last season.
During his most recent campaign he topped the FIU roster with 15 home runs and 50 runs batted in, while posting a .296 average, a .384 on‑base percentage and a .580 slugging percentage that combined for a .964 OPS.
The Caracas native also brings a .964 OPS and a .384 OBP, numbers that helped him earn a place among the conference’s most feared hitters. He honed his swing at the State College of Florida before starring at Sarasota High School in Florida.
A Strategic Push for the Infield
Trivella joins a Volunteers infield that has already welcomed Wyatt Hanoian, Travis Sanders and Chris Ramirez this offseason, giving Tennessee a depth of talent that could reshape the lineup.
Coach Josh Heupel’s staff has emphasized aggressive base‑running and power hitting, and Trivella’s skill set aligns perfectly with that philosophy. His eligibility for the 2026 MLB Draft adds an extra layer of excitement, as scouts will be watching his development in Knoxville.
The commitment marks the eleventh transfer to join the Volunteers this summer, underscoring a busy period of roster reshaping as the program looks to build on recent successes.
University officials praised the addition, noting that Trivella’s experience at Florida International and his junior‑college background equip him to contribute immediately. The move also strengthens ties between Tennessee and several key baseball development hubs across the Southeast.