Coming off another deep postseason run and solidifying their status as an SEC powerhouse, the Tennessee Volunteers baseball program wasted no time reloading for 2025. Head coach Tony Vitello and his staff have added a strong, strategic mix of arms and experience through the transfer portal, with five key additions poised to contribute immediately.

Four right-handed pitchers headline the class: Clay Edmondson (UNC-Asheville), Mason Estrada (MIT), Bo Rhudy (Kennesaw State), and Brady Frederick (ETSU). Each brings a unique skill set to the Vols’ pitching staff. Last season, Edmondson tied for the league lead in strikeouts with 87 and posted the best ERA in the conference and the 11th-best ERA in the nation at 2.20. His 2.20 ERA is fifth all-time on Asheville’s all-time single-season list.

Behind the plate, Tennessee added catcher Garrett Wright from Bowling Green. Wright hit .305 with 9 home runs last season and will compete to fill leadership and production gaps left by departing veteran backstops. Wright was named the MAC defensive player of the year in 2025 with a .991 fielding percentage. He threw out 14 runners stealing while allowing 30 stolen bases. He also played all three outfield positions. He has been named to the MAC all-defensive team in both seasons.

With SEC play demanding elite depth and consistency, this transfer class gives Tennessee insurance and upside. These additions may not be household names yet, but under Vitello’s development pipeline, expect them to be major contributors next spring on Rocky Top.

The 2025 MLB draft will take place July 13-14 at Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, Georgia.

Liam Doyle, Gavin Kilen, Andrew Fischer, Dean Curley, Marcus Phillips, AJ Russell, Tanner Franklin and Nate Snead are former Vols expected to be drafted in 2025.

Eight former Vols were selected in the 2024 MLB draft: Christian Moore (Angels), Blake Burke (Milwaukee), Billy Amick (Minnesota), Dylan Dreiling (Texas), Drew Beam (Kansas City), Kavares Tears (San Diego), A.J. Causey (Kansas City) and Aaron Combs (White Sox).

Kiley McDaniel of ESPN released a mock draft for the first round. Below are 2025 MLB draft projections and excerpts for Tennessee players from McDaniel.

Liam Doyle

Team: Los Angeles Angels

Pick: No. 2

“Despite his excellent season, Doyle’s interest seems to have a major hole in it. While there’s believed to be real interest in him at No. 2, teams picking behind the Angels think Doyle could slide all the way to No. 9 or No. 10.”

Gavin Kilen

Team: Tampa Bay

Pick: No. 14

“The Rays pick again at Nos. 37 and 42, and there’s a chance most of those prep players will still be around for an overslot bonus, so grabbing a rising college bat that should go by the 20th pick is a good strategy.”

Andrew Fischer

Team: Detroit

Pick: No. 24

“Fischer is rising due to his strong performance in the SEC this year, and while he’s likely still behind (Ike) Irish, he might be sneaking up on (Jace) Laviolette with a chance to go in the top 20 picks.”

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ELLIJAY, Ga. – A man wanted on multiple felony charges in Gilmer County has been captured in Tennessee, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

What we know:

Mark Anthony Beaver, 40, had been the subject of a public alert issued by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, which warned residents he was wanted on serious charges, including aggravated assault, aggravated battery, aggravated sodomy, and rape.

What they’re saying:

“We’re happy to report that Mark Anthony Beaver has been located and taken into custody in Tennessee,” the sheriff’s office announced in a statement.

The agency credited the arrest to widespread community support. “A huge THANK YOU to everyone who shared, commented, tagged friends, and kept your eyes open. Your help makes a real difference, and this is exactly why community partnerships matter,” the statement continued.

What we don’t know:

The details surrounding the charges have not been released.