Vols Land Cal Baptist Star Shortstop Chris Ramirez

Image: Cal Baptist Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

KNOXVILLE – Tennessee needed a shortstop in the transfer portal, and Josh Elander and Co. went out and got the best one available. Cal Baptist star shortstop Chris Ramirez announced his commitment to Tennessee on Friday afternoon, giving the Vols one of the most productive hitters in the country.

Ramirez was electric during his sophomore season in Riverside. The 2026 WAC Player of the Year hit .383 with a .447 OBP while appearing in 59 games for the Lancers. He posted a 1.016 OPS, launched 7 home runs and drove in 41 runs on an incredible 97 hits across 253 at-bats. He struck out just 18 times and added 21 stolen bases, showcasing elite bat‑to‑ball skills.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Ramirez becomes Tennessee’s ninth transfer portal commitment this offseason. He joins Mercer two-way player Braydon Kersey, left-handers Brody Trosclair from Northwestern State, Ricky Ojeda out of UC Irvine, and Jake McCoy from South Carolina, along with Wright State center fielder Andrew Duncan, Louisville right-hander Parker Detmers, and infielders Wyatt Hanoian from Air Force and Travis Sanders from Baylor.