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Southern Conference pitcher of the year shares why he is transferring to Tennessee

ByColton Pickard|
Jun 20, 2023; Omaha, NE, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Tony Vitello motions to the bullpen during the eighth inning against the LSU Tigers at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Jun 20, 2023; Omaha, NE, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Tony Vitello motions to the bullpen during the eighth inning against the LSU Tigers at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Tony Vitello and the Vols have not waited long to retool their roster and prepare for the 2026 baseball season. East Tennessee State pitcher and Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year Brady Frederick has announced his commitment to Tennessee days after the Vols' season came to an end.

Frederick announced his decision to commit to the Vols on Wednesday by simply saying "Go Vols" in his X post.

Frederick had a stellar sophomore season for the Bucs. He went 8-2 with a 2.67 ERA over 77.2 innings of work on his way to becoming ETSU's first pitcher to win SoCon Pitcher of the Year. 

He offers Tennessee another bullpen arm, which is something the Vols clearly need. The Vols struggled with their pitching staff throughout SEC series play and the Fayetteville Super Regional. 

Frederick shared more about the decision and what it means to have the opportunity to play for Vitello and the Vols as a Knoxville native. 

"It's a super surreal moment for me," Frederick told 247 Sports. "I'm in my house in Knoxville, 15 minutes from Lindsey Nelson. Every single one of my neighbors is a Vol fan. I've got so many friends who go to Tennessee.

"Growing up in Knoxville, it's always been a dream to play for the Vols. I've been to so many games for every sport. It's always been one of those dreams; having a chance would always have been super cool. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to the people around me: my parents and my friends. It's just super cool."

Frederick also mentioned the Vols' play as a reason he is interested in returning to Knoxville. Tennessee's style of play is fun and exciting, and it clearly excites fans and future prospects. 

"I love the fire that Tennessee plays with, the heart that they show," Frederick continues. "They make it fun, and the fans make it fun too. That's just what baseball is all about, is having fun. Anytime you can go out there and play with the crowd cheering you on at the highest level, I think that's super special."

Frederick marks the first player out of the transfer portal to commit to Tennessee after the season. Vitello and the Vols will continue to work the transfer portal as they prepare to retool and rebuild the roster for next season.

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