Tennessee Vols Baseball Faces Transition with Shortstop Leaving for Transfer Portal

The Tennessee Volunteers baseball team started the weekend with surprising developments as they announced a key player’s decision to transfer. Shortstop Manny Marin has opted to enter the transfer portal, according to a report from Mike Wilson of VolQuest.

Marin, who has two years of eligibility left, is also eligible for the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft this summer. In light of his departure, the Vols have decided to seek a new starting shortstop for the 2027 season.

This past year, Marin had a solid performance, posting a .291 batting average with a .346 on-base percentage and a .448 slugging percentage. He recorded nine home runs and 43 RBIs over 55 games and showcased his defensive skills by committing only five errors in the 2026 season. However, Tennessee appears to be seeking increased offensive output from the shortstop position.

While Marin’s future in baseball looks promising, especially if he’s not selected in the draft, he will likely attract attention from multiple programs as he navigates the transfer portal. One of Marin's standout moments as a Volunteer was hitting a walk-off grand slam during his freshman year, securing an 11-1 victory against St. Bonaventure, a moment that resonated widely due to then-coach Tony Vitello's notable reaction.

It seems that Marin’s fit with the Vols may not have aligned perfectly, leading to this significant change for both the player and the program.