Vanderbilt's Transfer Portal Surge
Matt Conte, a draft‑eligible sophomore catcher who starred for Wake Forest, announced his commitment to Vanderbilt baseball this week, giving the Commodores a potent new option behind the plate.
In his 2026 season with the Demon Deacons, Conte batted .274 and launched 12 home runs, while also posting 12 doubles and two triples. He started 35 games at catcher and 24 as a designated hitter, showcasing both defensive reliability and offensive versatility.
Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin praised Conte’s bat speed and game‑calling ability, noting that the newcomer could inherit the role vacated by Colin Barczi, a draft‑eligible player who has declared for the MLB Draft.
The Commodores will also rely on returning catcher Korbin Reynolds, who started every SEC game in 2026 but managed only a .234 average, as well as utility players Mack Whitcomb and Aukai Kea, who have battled injuries and limited playing time.
Beyond the catching corps, Vanderbilt’s 2026 transfer class includes outfielders Niko Brini, Bud Coombs and Hunter Ray, infielder Blaize Ward, and pitchers Gavin Lauridsen and Dominic Monaco, bolstering depth across the board.
Baseball America ranks Conte as the No. 304 prospect overall in the MLB Draft, underscoring the talent level the Commodores have attracted through the portal.
The additions come as the program prepares for another push at the SEC title, with the coaching staff confident that the new talent will complement the existing core and maintain Vanderbilt’s tradition of strong player development.