UT Baseball Adds Elite Infielder From San DIego State

Image: San Diego State Baseball

By Aidan Sidoti

Tennessee Baseball continues to strive for the No. 1 nationally ranked transfer portal class, and they landed a major piece to it Thursday with the commitment of former San Diego State infielder Finley Bates. 

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound middle infielder from Castle Rock, Colorado was a two-year starter for the Aztecs, appearing in 57 games as a sophomore in 2025 and posting a .300 batting average with 40 walks, 23 RBIs, and .419 on-base percentage. 

Bates served as San Diego State’s leadoff hitter during his time on campus, earning himself 2024 Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors after hitting .292 with 64 hits in 53 games.

Defensively, Bates switched between shortstop and second base in San Diego, starting 115 games during his freshman and sophomore seasons— a role he’s likely to continue in Knoxville.

With his commitment, Bates becomes the fifth true hitter this transfer portal cycle to commit to the Vols, joining a star-studded group that included Virginia slugger Henry Ford, Garrett Wright, Blaine Brown, and Bowling Green standout DJ Newman.