Tennessee’s baseball team is projected to secure the second spot in the SEC East, with three Vols earning spots on the All-SEC squads.
In a familiar turn of events, baseball season is nearly upon us once more, with Tennessee gearing up to kick off their 2024 campaign officially. Tony Vitello is aiming to capitalize on their recent College World Series appearance in 2023 and reload for the upcoming season.
As the opening day approaches, SEC coaches were tasked with predicting the conference’s final standings. The Volunteers were slated to finish second in the SEC East, trailing only behind Florida. Vanderbilt closely trailed Tennessee, securing third place with 73 points in the poll.
In the SEC West, Arkansas narrowly edged out LSU, clinching the top spot with 87 points compared to LSU’s 82.
Projected SEC East Standings for 2024:
1. Florida (11) – 88 points
2. Tennessee (2) – 75 points
3. Vanderbilt (1) – 73 points
4. South Carolina – 50 points
5. Kentucky – 44 points
6. Georgia – 36 points
7. Missouri – 19 points
Projected SEC West Standings for 2024:
1. Arkansas (9) – 87 points
2. LSU (5) – 82 points
3. Texas A&M – 68 points
4. Alabama – 47 points
5. Auburn – 46 points
6. Ole Miss – 32 points
7. Mississippi State – 23 points
Three Volunteers Earn All-SEC Honors:
Tennessee secured three spots on the All-SEC teams in the preseason poll. Ace Drew Beam was named to the first team after a stellar 9-4 record in 2023, boasting a 3.63 ERA and striking out 88 batters. He’s set to lead the Volunteers’ pitching rotation this year.
Additionally, second baseman Christian Moore earned a spot on the second team, alongside Clemson transfer Billy Amick, who plays infield. Moore comes off a strong 2023 season, hitting .304 with 17 home runs and 50 RBIs, leading Tennessee with a .444 on-base percentage. Amick, who posted a .413 batting average with Clemson last season, is expected to take charge at third base for the Volunteers.
Tennessee’s season kicks off next weekend in Texas at the Shriners Children’s College Showdown, starting with a matchup against Texas Tech on Friday night, followed by Oklahoma on Saturday, and concluding with Baylor on Sunday.
