Coach Josh Elander is shaping Tennessee’s 2027 baseball squad with a clear vision: blend the experience of a deep returning core with the potential of new faces acquired through the transfer portal and a highly touted recruiting class. The incoming class features standout prospect Trevor Condon, while returning position players such as Tegan Kuhns, Evan Blanco, Liam Doyle, Marcus Phillips, Garrett Wright, Tyler Myatt, Cole Koeninger, Jaxson Wood, Nate Eisfelder and Blaine Brown provide additional depth.
A Core of Returning Stars
Pitchers Cam Appenzeller and Trent Grindlinger will reprise their sophomore seasons, while Levi Clark and Landon Mack are set to return as juniors. Landon Mack, who posted a 4.67 ERA in 2026, is slated to anchor the Friday night rotation, and Cam Appenzeller is expected to move into a weekend starter role. The bullpen will lean on veterans Nic Abraham, Will Haas and Chandler Day, who have already proven their reliability in relief appearances.
The lineup will also see shifts in the infield. If Henry Ford, Manny Marin and Blake Grimmer decide to pursue the MLB draft, Tennessee will need to replace at least two of its three weekend starters, opening opportunities for newcomers and existing players alike. At catcher, Clark, Grindlinger and Stone Lawless give the Vols a solid foundation behind the plate.
Outfield dynamics will require adjustment after the loss of right fielder Reese Chapman. The coaching staff hopes Trevor Condon, the No. 21 overall prospect in the country, can step in as the top recruit to fill that void. Additional outfield options may emerge from the transfer portal, giving Elander flexibility as he finalizes the roster.
Draft decisions loom large for many of the team’s most impactful hitters, and the Vols will watch closely as MLB teams make their selections. The starting infield’s composition could shift dramatically depending on those outcomes, while the catcher position remains anchored by Clark, Grindlinger and Lawless.
Overall, the 2027 roster promises depth and versatility. With a mix of seasoned returners, strategic portal additions, and a recruiting class that includes standout talents like Trevor Condon, Tennessee aims to remain competitive in the SEC and beyond.