Manny Marin, the Tennessee Volunteers shortstop who burst onto the scene as a sophomore, announced his entry into the transfer portal this week, ending his collegiate career in Knoxville and positioning himself for the upcoming MLB draft in July.
Marin’s departure marks the thirteenth player to leave the Volunteers since the season concluded, underscoring a wave of movement that has reshaped the roster ahead of the next campaign.
During his sophomore year he served as the team’s starting shortstop, posting a .291 batting average, nine home runs and 43 RBIs while maintaining a .976 fielding percentage with five errors. Earlier in the 2025 season he shifted to third base, where he hit .283 with three homers and 23 RBIs, showcasing a versatile skill set that caught the eye of scouts.
A Shifting Infield Landscape
With Marin and Ariel Antigua gone, the Volunteers face a clear void at shortstop. Returning players Tyler Myatt and Blake Grimmer are among the internal options, while freshmen Cole Koeninger, Jaxson Wood and Jack Dugan arrive as potential replacements. Each of those newcomers brings a distinct profile: Koeninger, ranked No. 14 overall in the 2026 class by Perfect Game, will also navigate the draft process, making the decision to debut a true freshman a calculated risk.
The coaching staff will likely explore the transfer portal for additional depth, but the immediate focus remains on developing the talent already on campus. The mix of returning veterans and highly touted freshmen creates a competitive environment that could define the Volunteers’ defensive outlook for the next season.
Marin’s trajectory has been tracked by several scouting services. Perfect Game listed him as the No. 23 shortstop in the 2024 high school class and placed him at No. 375 overall in this year’s MLB draft. Neither MLB Pipeline nor Baseball America featured him among their top 200 or 500 prospects, a fact that reflects both his potential and the competitive nature of the draft class.
The broader implications extend beyond Tennessee. As programs across the SEC navigate the transfer portal’s impact, the Volunteers’ situation illustrates how player movement can ripple through roster construction, scouting strategies and even the timing of draft decisions.
For now, Marin will await the draft’s outcome while contemplating his next collegiate destination, a decision that could influence the Volunteers’ plans for the 2027 shortstop role, which may again involve a portal addition.