Tennessee Scores Big: Former MAC Defensive Player of the Year Garrett Wright Transfers to the Vols, Bringing Star Power Behind the Plate

In a major recruiting victory, the Tennessee Volunteers baseball program has landed one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal: catcher Garrett Wright, the 2025 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Defensive Player of the Year. Wright’s decision to commit to Rocky Top marks a massive boost for head coach Tony Vitello’s squad, as they aim to reload with elite talent and chase a national title in the upcoming season.

After emerging as a standout player for his MAC team last season, Wright’s defensive brilliance and leadership behind the plate caught the attention of several Power Five programs. Yet, it was Tennessee’s rising reputation as a perennial powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and its proven track record of developing professional-caliber players that sealed the deal. Wright brings with him not just hardware, but also experience, poise, and an unshakable competitive edge that is tailor-made for the bright lights of Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Wright’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of phenomenal. He led the MAC in caught stealing percentage and was widely recognized as one of the most technically sound backstops in all of college baseball. His ability to control the running game, block pitches in the dirt, and call games with precision set him apart in a league rich with talent. Earning MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors was not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of how he elevated his entire team defensively.

Garrett’s glove is major-league ready,” one opposing coach said during the season. “He shuts down your offense before you even get going.” That reputation for being a defensive wall is exactly what Tennessee is banking on as they incorporate Wright into their lineup.

While his defense gets most of the spotlight, Wright is far from a one-dimensional player. He’s also an underrated bat, known for delivering clutch hits and extending innings with quality at-bats. In his final season in the MAC, Wright posted a respectable batting average with a strong on-base percentage, showcasing patience and gap power. He may not be a home run king, but he fits the mold of the gritty, contact-driven hitters that thrive in the SEC.

Tennessee’s pursuit of Wright is part of a broader strategy by Vitello and his staff to remain among the nation’s elite programs. After consecutive trips to the College World Series and developing multiple MLB draft picks, the Vols are looking to not just maintain their success but elevate it. Securing a proven leader like Wright is exactly the kind of move that keeps Tennessee firmly in the national spotlight.

With the departure of their previous starting catcher to the draft, the Volunteers faced a pressing need behind the plate. Wright fills that gap not just as a stopgap, but as an immediate difference-maker with leadership qualities and high baseball IQ. He’s expected to slide into the starting role from day one and serve as a vocal presence on the field.

Wright’s transfer is also emblematic of a broader trend in college baseball: elite players from mid-major programs using the transfer portal as a springboard to bigger stages. Tennessee is becoming a preferred destination for such talents, due in no small part to their player development resources, elite competition, and national visibility.

For Garrett Wright, the move to Knoxville is about more than just baseball. It’s about challenging himself against the best, building toward a professional future, and stepping into a clubhouse that’s hungry for a national championship. Known for his intense preparation and blue-collar work ethic, Wright is expected to thrive under Vitello’s aggressive and fast-paced style of play.

In a statement following his commitment, Wright expressed gratitude for his time in the MAC and excitement for what lies ahead. “I’ll always be thankful for my roots, but I’m ready for the next step,” he said. “Playing at Tennessee gives me the chance to compete at the highest level and be part of something special.”

Landing Garrett Wright is more than just adding a top-tier catcher. It signals to the college baseball world that Tennessee is not just reloading — they’re upgrading. With an experienced and decorated player joining their ranks, the Volunteers can confidently look ahead to 2026 with a fortified defense, a stabilizing presence behind the plate, and a renewed sense of championship ambition.

Fans in Knoxville can already envision Wright anchoring the defense in key SEC matchups, guiding young pitchers through pressure situations, and delivering timely hits in packed stadiums. The Volunteers didn’t just add a player — they added a leader, a game-changer, and someone who’s proven he can perform under pressure.