Finley Bates to Enter Transfer Portal After Single Season at Tennessee
Finley Bates arrived in Knoxville with a reputation built in the Mountain West, where he had been named the 2024 Freshman of the Year at San Diego State and led the team in batting average, hits, total bases and on‑base percentage.
During his lone year with the Vols, Bates appeared in 12 games, stepping up to the plate 12 times and delivering four hits, including a home run, while driving in one run.
His departure follows a pattern of player movement that has become common in college baseball, as athletes weigh opportunities for more regular at‑bats and development.
Coaches at Tennessee have indicated that the team will look to fill the infield gap left by Bates, while the player himself has signaled a focus on finding a program where he can compete for a starting role.