Chris Newstrom, a utility player who has been a mainstay in the Tennessee Volunteers baseball lineup, revealed this week that he will continue his collegiate career at UC Santa Barbara, citing a desire to be closer to home as a key factor in his decision.
A Summer in the California Collegiate League
During the upcoming summer, Newstrom will suit up for the Santa Barbara Foresters in the California Collegiate League, a wood‑bat circuit that recently posted a 40‑20 record and earned an NCAA Tournament berth despite falling short of the conference title.
His sophomore season at Tennessee was a mixed bag: he started 15 games and appeared in 27 contests, batting .173 with a single home run and seven RBIs. Versatility has been his trademark, allowing him to see action at both infield and outfield positions, though an internal issue caused him to miss the series sweep of Mississippi State.
Freshman year told a different story. Newstrom started 13 games, played in 33 overall, and posted a .351 average with four home runs and nine extra‑base hits, underscoring the upside that made him an attractive prospect for multiple programs.
Portal Landscape at Tennessee
The transfer portal has become a focal point for the Volunteers, with 16 players to date entering the market. Eight have already committed to new destinations, and several others have announced intentions to return for another season, illustrating the fluid nature of roster construction in modern college baseball.
Newstrom’s decision reflects a broader trend of athletes seeking environments that align with personal and professional goals. By returning to California, he hopes to revive a promising collegiate trajectory while enjoying the proximity of family and the competitive setting of the Santa Barbara program.