Tennessee Baseball Reeling After Latest Wave of Departures: Seven More Pitchers, Including Michael Sharman, Enter Transfer…

Tennessee Baseball Reeling After Latest Wave of Departures: Seven More Pitchers, Including Michael Sharman, Enter Transfer Portal…

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — June 25, 2025

 

The Tennessee Volunteers baseball program is facing a turbulent offseason like never before. In the latest and most alarming development, seven more pitchers have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, highlighting a full-blown roster upheaval. Among the notable names in this wave are Michael Sharman, Andrew DuMont, Dane Bjorn, Tanner Wiggins, Brayden May, Luke Payne, and Stratton Scott, all of whom played vital or emerging roles in Tennessee’s pitching strategy during the 2024 season.

This sudden and significant departure of arms compounds an already difficult offseason for head coach Tony Vitello and the rest of the coaching staff. The exits have raised concerns among fans, analysts, and former players, as the total number of portal entries from the 2025 roster now stands at 16, a staggering figure for a team that was recently in College World Series contention.

 

 

 

The Departing Seven: Who They Are and What They Brought

 

1. Michael Sharman – RHP

 

Sharman is arguably the most impactful departure in this wave. The sophomore right-hander posted a 3.18 ERA and a 3-1 record over 22⅔ innings in 2024. Known for his calm demeanor on the mound and precise control, Sharman was projected to play a bigger role in the 2025 rotation. His performance during the SEC Tournament and midweek games highlighted his potential to evolve into a high-leverage starter or setup man. His departure leaves a massive void in both talent and experience.

 

2. Andrew DuMont – RHP

DuMont, a redshirt freshman, was just starting to show flashes of his potential. Though he only appeared in a handful of games during the 2024 season, his 94-mph fastball and sharp slider were enough to catch the attention of other programs. Sources say he received interest from multiple Power Five schools even before officially entering the portal.

 

3. Dane Bjorn – LHP

 

Bjorn was a quietly consistent figure in the bullpen. A crafty left-hander, he served as a situational reliever who could neutralize left-handed hitters and extend innings when necessary. While his ERA was not headline-worthy, his value came in the form of innings management and his ability to calm games down in tight spots.

 

4. Tanner Wiggins – RHP

 

Another arm with untapped potential, Wiggins had been viewed internally as a long-term bullpen weapon. Despite limited appearances in 2024, his physical frame and strikeout potential made him a candidate for development. His decision to enter the portal comes as a surprise to many within the program.

 

5. Brayden May – RHP

 

May, a walk-on who quickly earned respect through his work ethic and command, was expected to take on a larger role next season. He impressed during fall ball and was in contention for a more permanent bullpen role. His departure is seen as a significant culture loss, as he was considered a team-first presence in the locker room.

6. Luke Payne – LHP

 

Payne was a key southpaw out of the pen in early non-conference games but faded in usage later in the season. Nonetheless, his left-handedness and clean mechanics made him a developmental gem. Many believed he would benefit from another year in Knoxville, but he’s now seeking more immediate opportunities elsewhere.

 

7. Stratton Scott – RHP

 

Scott’s portal entry surprised few, as the redshirt sophomore never fully cracked into the rotation or bullpen depth. That said, he was known to be a hard thrower who struggled with control. Coaches hoped he would refine his command in the offseason, but he has opted for a fresh start.

 

 

 

The Bigger Picture: An Avalanche of Departures

 

These seven exits add to what has become an unprecedented offseason for Tennessee Baseball. The Volunteers, who have been a powerhouse under Vitello, now face a future riddled with uncertainty. With 16 total players, including several pitchers and key position players, leaving via the portal, Tennessee is now operating from a place of reconstruction rather than reloading.

While some attrition is natural—especially in the current era of NIL deals, immediate eligibility, and MLB Draft considerations—the sheer volume of this year’s turnover raises eyebrows.

 

 

 

Why Is This Happening?

 

Several factors are believed to be contributing to the massive talent outflow from the program:

 

1. The NIL Effect

 

In today’s college sports landscape, financial incentives via Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals play a pivotal role. Sources suggest that several Tennessee players received offers from programs with more aggressive or structured NIL collectives for baseball. This is especially common with pitchers looking to enhance their profiles before the MLB Draft.

 

2. Competitive Depth and Role Uncertainty

 

Tennessee has been recruiting top-tier talent for the past five years, which has built a deep and competitive roster. However, that depth can also create frustration for players who struggle to carve out consistent roles. Some of the pitchers leaving may have been told they wouldn’t feature prominently in 2025 plans.

 

3. Coaching Dynamics and Philosophical Differences

 

While Tony Vitello remains one of the most respected and successful coaches in college baseball, whispers of behind-the-scenes friction between players and coaches have surfaced. Several players reportedly felt their development or communication with the staff could have been better managed.

 

4. Opportunity and Playing Time Elsewhere

 

Simply put, players want to pitch. The transfer portal allows them to find programs that offer more immediate and consistent playing opportunities. This is particularly crucial for juniors and seniors who are looking to build a final-season resume before entering the MLB Draft.

 

 

 

The Fallout: Challenges Ahead for Vitello and Staff

 

Losing 16 players in a single offseason—many of them pitchers—forces the coaching staff into a reactive position. Vitello and his staff are now tasked with:

 

Scouring the transfer portal to bring in both experienced and developmental arms;

 

Solidifying the 2025 incoming freshman class to prevent further erosion;

 

Rebuilding team chemistry and culture with a newly shaped locker room;

 

Assuring remaining players and recruits of the program’s stability and direction.

 

 

According to inside reports, Tennessee has already contacted several portal pitchers from mid-majors and has ongoing conversations with JUCO standouts.

 

But time is of the essence. Fall training sessions are only months away, and the 2025 schedule will not wait for roster turnover to settle.

 

 

 

What the Future Holds

 

Despite the current chaos, the Tennessee Baseball brand remains strong. The team’s record under Tony Vitello, their recent runs in the College World Series, the state-of-the-art facilities at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, and the passionate fanbase all make the Volunteers an attractive destination for transfers and recruits alike.

 

The real test lies in how Vitello and his staff respond. Do they double down on player development and internal promotion? Or do they hit the portal aggressively and go for proven arms to shore up the rotation?

 

As it stands, the 2025 season may very well be a defining moment in the Vitello era—not for what Tennessee achieves on the field alone, but for how the program survives, adapts, and evolves through adversity.

 

 

 

Fan Reactions and the Emotional Toll

 

Vol fans across social media have expressed a mix of shock, sadness, and cautious optimism. Some fans are calling for transparency from the coaching staff, while others believe this could be a reset year that eventually brings in a stronger, more unified team.

 

> “It’s painful to see this many guys leave, especially ones we watched grow over the past year,” tweeted one fan. “But I still believe in Vitello and what he’s building here.”

 

 

 

The emotional connection between Tennessee fans and their players runs deep. That’s what makes these departures so jarring—and the rebuilding process so emotionally charged.

 

 

 

Conclusion: A Pivotal Crossroads

 

The departure of Michael Sharman, Andrew DuMont, Dane Bjorn, Tanner Wiggins, Brayden May, Luke Payne, and Stratton Scott is not just another round of portal news—it’s a powerful indicator of transition within one of college baseball’s proudest programs.

 

Whether this transition becomes a rebuild, a retool, or a resurgence depends on the decisions made in the coming weeks. For now, all eyes remain on Knoxville—where the future of Tennessee Baseball is being written in real-time.

 

 

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