Trying to project Tennessee baseball lineup in 2024? Better wait awhile | Adams

The MLB Draft had moved into the later rounds Tuesday. The transfer portal had quieted.

So, I thought it was a good time to project Tennessee’s baseball lineup for next season. How foolish of me.

There's still a chance for player movement, a reminder that in the NIL and transfer era college sports are more complicated than ever. And college baseball often seems the most complicated.

My best guess: The Vols will have a potent lineup next season. How potent? I’m not sure.

Figuring out who will play where presents another challenge. The 2024 roster will be chock-full of versatile players.

When I talked to coach Tony Vitello Tuesday night, he wasn’t trying to be evasive, but “there’s so much up in the air.”

Another factor in the uncertainty: Competition.

There’s an obvious void at shortstop with the departure of MLB Draft pick Maui Ahuna. Who could replace him? “Any one of four or five guys,” Vitello said.

Things aren’t as fluid as last year when the Vols lost eight position starters to the draft. But they aren’t nearly as settled as I thought they might be.

You know juniors Christian Moore and Blake Burke will be in the lineup. Their hitting prowess will demand it. Their positions aren’t as certain as their place in the batting order.

Moore started at second base last season and could end up there in his final college season. But he can play a myriad of positions. Although Burke could be back at first base, he also might help in the outfield.

Portal additions will give Vitello and his staff more flexibility in assembling their lineup.

NC State transfer Cannon Peebles batted .352 and hit 12 home runs in 2023 as a catcher and designated hitter. Clemson transfer Billy Amick, an infielder, batted .413 and hit 13 homers. Like Moore and Burke, they surely will hit their way into the lineup.

ESPN baseball analyst Chris Burke, a former Tennessee All-American, sees tremendous potential in the lineup.

“Peebles and Amick come with huge cachet, notoriety and production,” he said. “They’ve done it at a very high level in the ACC.”

Burke also expects bigger things from Moore and Burke, who combined for 33 home runs this past season and 24 homers in 2022 as freshmen.

“The difference between a lot of players as sophomores and juniors is immense,” Burke said. “Moore and Burke had a lot to learn this year. They had to be ‘the guys.’ I think you will see a better version of Burke next season.”

Burke suffered through a late-season slump and ended up batting .280, well below his .326 average as a freshman. But in 2022, both he and Moore were surrounded by outstanding and experienced hitters.

One thing for certain: Tennessee has solidified its catching position.

Starter Cal Stark didn’t hit well this past season but provides solid defense. Backup Charlie Taylor also has starting experience.

In addition to Peebles, Vitello signed Missouri transfer Dalton Bargo, who can play just about anywhere. Bargo started as a freshman, batted .279 and can play first and third base, catcher, and outfield.

ADAMS: Why Tony Vitello's recruiting will make Tennessee baseball an NCAA Tournament regular

Dylan Dreiling and Hunter Ensley are returning outfielders with starting experience. Kavares Tears demonstrated his hitting potential by batting .304 in 56 at-bats.

Things might be in flux now. But given Vitello’s track record, you can count on him figuring it out.

“The fact that he could weather the storm of losing 10 draft picks last year and end up in the College World Series − I can’t overstate how good of a coaching job that is,” Burke said.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Trying to project 2024 lineup for Tennessee baseball? Better wait awhile