Former Tennessee Vols infielder Manny Marin landed with the Arkansas Razorbacks earlier this summer after entering the transfer portal.

Marin, who spent the first two seasons of his career at Tennessee, slashed .291/.346/.448 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs in 55 games for the Volunteers this past season.

The Vols essentially moved on from Marin, who is a strong defensive shortstop (he committed just five errors last season), in favor of more offense.

Cal Baptist transfer addition Chris Ramirez is expected to start at shortstop for the Vols in 2027.

Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn shares thoughts on Manny Marin

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn spoke to reporters this week and he made it clear that he thinks Marin is one of the best shortstops in the country.

“Manny Marin, I mean, he’s one of the best shortstops in the country,” said Van Horn. “He played third base for them. He’s played short. He’s played second. He’s been in and out of the lineup the first two years he was there. I think we’ve got to tweak some things — pitch selection is one of them.

“He hit .290, but his pitch selection has got to get a lot better. And if it does, watch out. You’re getting someone with two years of experience in the Southeastern Conference. He can really field and throw. The bat potential is there. Hopefully we get his best year, and I’m hoping that being with us and the way we run things defensively, that he’ll continue to elevate his game. But again, you’re getting an experienced player that has been through it at this level.”

It certainly sounds like Van Horn thinks Arkansas can raise Marin’s play to another level.

We’ll see next season if the Vols made the right decision to let the Florida native leave for a conference rival.