Tennessee baseball adds another potential breakout star out of the transfer portal this year as Bowling Green two-way star DJ Newman announced he has committed to Tennessee.
Newman visited Knoxville on Friday and announced his decision to commit to the Vols on Sunday. He made the announcement on social media, saying, "I want to thank my teammates and coaches for a great three years at BGSU, but now it's time for the next chapter. Let's get to work. #GBO"
The career .388 hitter with a 3.60 ERA on the mound had the potential to draw a lot of attention in this year's MLB Draft, but an injury during this past season halted the momentum he had throughout the spring.
He has done it all for the Bowling Green Falcons, playing as an outfielder and pitcher in his three years with the team. Newman hit .419 this past season with four home runs and 16 RBIs as a junior. He was also dominant on the mound, finishing the year with a 3.77 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 14.1 innings pitched.
Newman perfectly fits the mold that Tennessee looks for in its pitchers and could follow up with some of the best pitchers who have taken the mound for the Vols in recent years.
He also joined fellow Bowling Green teammate Garrett Wright in transferring to Tennessee. The former Falcons utility player could be another immediate impact player for the Vols next season.
Tennessee has now signed seven players in the transfer portal, including top transfer pitchers Clay Edmondson and Brady Frederick and right-handed pitchers Bo Rhudy and Mason Estrada, with the No. 1 player in the portal Henry Ford. Bowling Green teammates Wright and Newman add to the list of transfer signees during this cycle.