Tennessee Baseball Transfer Commits To SEC School | Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee baseball transfer utility man Jay Abernathy committed to Oklahoma on Thursday evening, he announced on Instagram. Despite being a two-seed in the Atlanta Regional, Oklahoma made it to the College World Series this season and begins play Saturday afternoon against Alabama.

Abernathy played in 53 games and started 39 games during his sophomore season, hitting .236 with nine doubles, three homers, one triple and 16 RBIs. He started 27 games as a freshman, hitting .282 with three doubles, one homer and 11 RBIs.

The left-handed utility man was a real threat on the base paths, stealing 17 bases in his two years in Knoxville.

Abernathy is a versatile defender who started 29 games in centerfield and 10 games at second base this past season. He was particularly strong defensively in centerfield, using his speed to track down balls in the gap.

However, Abernathy’s inconsistent bat keeps it from being a lock that he would have been an everyday starter for the Vols next season.

More From RTI: Brody Trosclair Explains Why Tennessee Baseball Felt Like Home, Impressions Of Austin Knight

The Vols are in need of outfielders entering next season. Centerfielder Garrett Wright is likely MLB Draft bound while Reese Chapman is out of eligibility and Nate Eisfelder also entered the transfer portal.

Abernathy is one of 15 Tennessee players have entered the transfer portal this offseason including first baseman Evan Hankins, right-handed pitcher Nic Abraham, outfielder Nate Eisfelder, shortstop Manny Marin, catcher Cash Williams, infielder Finley Bates, shortstop Ariel Antigua, infielder Ethan Moore, utility man Hunter High, utility man Chris Newstrom, outfielder Hutson Chance and right-handed pitcher Brayden Krenzel, two-way Taylor Tracey and right-handed pitcher Ari Bethea.

A number of Tennessee players have announced intentions to return for next season including RHP Landon Mack, LHP Cam Appenzeller, first baseman Levi Clark, catcher Trent Grindlinger, catcher Stone Lawless and LHP Will Haas.

The Vols have landed two transfer commits to date including Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair and Mercer two-way Braydon Kersey. Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian has also visited Tennessee this offseason.