STAR TRANSFER: Garrett Wright Commits to Tennessee Baseball, Bolstering Roster with Elite Versatility
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Volunteers baseball program has landed a significant addition from the NCAA transfer portal, securing the commitment of Bowling Green transfer athlete Garrett Wright. The highly touted utility player, fresh off a stellar sophomore campaign, brings an impressive blend of elite defense, consistent offense, and remarkable versatility to Rocky Top, signaling a major pickup for Tony Vitello’s squad.
Wright’s decision to join the Vols comes after a collegiate career at Bowling Green where he quickly established himself as one of the nation’s most impactful two-way threats. In his sophomore season (2025), Wright was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to his exceptional glove work. He boasts a remarkable .991 fielding percentage, demonstrating his reliability behind the plate and at various other positions. Throughout his two seasons with the Falcons, he earned First-Team All-MAC catcher honors and was consistently named to the All-Defensive Team.
But Wright is far more than just a defensive wizard. His bat has been equally potent, evidenced by his eye-popping .406 batting average in 2025 – the only player in the Mid-American Conference to eclipse the .400 mark. He also posted an on-base percentage north of .500, showcasing his disciplined approach at the plate. In 2025, he shattered Bowling Green’s program record for doubles in a single season with 20, further highlighting his ability to drive the ball into gaps. With eight home runs and 48 RBIs last season, Wright proved he can generate power and produce runs when it matters most.
What truly sets Wright apart is his extraordinary positional flexibility. While primarily a catcher, a position where he excelled and earned significant accolades, he also saw extensive action in the outfield this past spring, playing all three outfield spots. This adaptability will be invaluable for the Volunteers as they navigate the rigorous SEC schedule and potential injuries. With starting catcher Cannon Peebles a likely candidate for the upcoming MLB Draft, Wright provides an immediate, high-caliber option behind the plate, potentially forming a formidable catching tandem with the capable Stone Lawless. His ability to shift to the outfield, if needed, ensures his impactful bat can remain in the lineup regardless of positional needs.
Garrett Wright’s collegiate career statistics speak volumes: a career .396 batting average with 14 home runs, 28 doubles, and 76 RBIs in just two seasons. His low strikeout rate and high walk rate further illustrate his advanced hitting profile. Such consistent offensive production, combined with his gold-glove caliber defense and multi-positional prowess, makes him one of the most sought-after transfers in this cycle.
For Tennessee, this commitment marks their fifth transfer portal addition of the offseason, and the first position player. The Vols have primarily focused on bolstering their pitching staff with four right-handed hurlers already committed. Wright’s arrival addresses a critical need for an experienced, high-impact bat and versatile defender, especially with potential departures to the professional ranks.
The addition of Garrett Wright is a clear statement of intent from the Tennessee baseball program. As they look to maintain their status as a national contender, bringing in a player of Wright’s caliber provides an immediate boost and solidifies an already talented roster. Volunteer fans can eagerly anticipate seeing this “Star Transfer” don the orange and white, bringing his impressive skillset to Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
