Baseball

Travis Sanders Commits to Tennessee Baseball, Bolstering Infield Depth

The former Baylor shortstop arrives with Big 12 accolades and a track record of power hitting, addressing a critical need for the Volunteers.

Travis Sanders Commits to Tennessee Baseball

Travis Sanders, a highly touted shortstop who spent the past two seasons at Baylor, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee baseball program on Tuesday, marking the seventh transfer addition for the Volunteers this offseason.

The move comes at a critical juncture for Tennessee, which lost veteran infielder Manny Marin to the transfer portal earlier this month, leaving a void at shortstop that the coaching staff has moved quickly to fill.

A Proven Performer from Baylor

Sanders brings a blend of power and speed that was evident in his 2025 campaign, where he posted a .335/.425/.549 slash line with eight home runs and 25 RBIs, while also stealing 15 bases.

His 2024 season was even more impressive, as he slashed .369/.458/.586 with nine homers and 44 RBIs, earning All‑Big 12 honors for the second straight year and solidifying his reputation as one of the conference’s most consistent hitters.

Standing at 6‑foot‑2 and 193 pounds, Sanders is versatile enough to man shortstop, second base, or third base, giving the Volunteers flexibility in their defensive alignments.

His collegiate journey began at Texas Tech before he transferred to Baylor, where he developed into a top‑tier prospect and caught the attention of Tennessee’s recruiting staff.

Coaches at Tennessee have praised Sanders’ work ethic and baseball IQ, noting that his experience in high‑stakes games will help stabilize a young roster that is still adjusting to new leadership.

The addition of Sanders underscores a broader trend in college baseball, where programs are increasingly relying on the transfer portal to address roster needs quickly, a strategy that has paid dividends for teams willing to invest in proven talent.

Fans can expect to see Sanders in the lineup from day one, as the Volunteers look to capitalize on his offensive production and defensive reliability as they aim for a deep run in the SEC tournament and beyond.

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