A Unique Catchers Conundrum
Josh Elander and his coaching staff have made it a priority to retain a core group of players for the 2027 season, ensuring continuity and experience across the squad.
The return of Stone Lawless, Levi Clark and Trent Grindlinger brings three experienced catchers into the mix, a rarity that reshapes the team's offensive and defensive planning.
Lawless started 30 of 33 games behind the plate last year, Clark appeared in 36 of 52 games primarily at first base, and Grindlinger logged 31 of 34 starts as the designated hitter, giving the staff a clear picture of each player's capabilities.
Adding Braydon Kersey, a Mercer two‑way standout who hit .325 with 21 home runs last season, expands the options; he can man first base, third base or left field and also pitch out of the bullpen when needed.
The designated‑hitter spot provides the Vols with the flexibility to rotate these athletes, allowing Grindlinger to showcase his defensive skills as a draft‑eligible sophomore while Kersey's bat can anchor the lineup.
Fall practice will be the crucible where Elander decides how to slot the logjam of talent, potentially shifting Clark to left field or deploying Grindlinger or Kersey at third base to find the optimal configuration.
What’s at Stake for the Vols
The coaching staff's ability to harness this depth could define Tennessee's competitiveness in the SEC, turning a positional surplus into a strategic advantage on the field.