Travis Sanders, a transfer infielder who spent the last two seasons at Baylor, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee baseball program, marking a significant addition to the Volunteers' roster for the upcoming campaign.
During his redshirt junior year, Sanders led the Bears with a .369 batting average, a .458 on‑base percentage, 82 hits, 15 doubles, 35 walks and 24 stolen bases, earning All‑Big 12 Second Team honors and an All‑Big 12 Honorable Mention selection at shortstop.
From Second Base to Shortstop
Originally a second baseman, Sanders shifted to shortstop to maximize his defensive impact, finishing the regular season with just six errors and a .972 fielding percentage, underscoring his adaptability and reliability in the infield.
His high school pedigree was equally impressive; Sanders was ranked No. 90 overall in the Class of 2022 and No. 19 among shortstops nationwide, graduating from Copperas Cove High School in Texas before committing to Texas Tech, where he redshirted in 2023 after a season‑ending injury.
After a modest 13‑game stint in 2024, where he hit .242 with seven RBIs, Sanders returned to Baylor and posted the team's second‑highest slugging percentage of .549, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the conference.
A Draft Prospect Who Chose College
The Boston Red Sox selected Sanders in the 14th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, but he elected not to sign, opting instead to develop his skills at Baylor and later transfer to Tennessee, a decision that reflects his confidence in his collegiate trajectory.
Tennessee's coaching staff highlighted Sanders' blend of speed, power and defensive versatility as a key factor in bolstering the Volunteers' lineup, projecting him to contribute immediately in the SEC and potentially reshape the team's offensive dynamics.