Tennessee Vols baseball gets commitment from two-way superstar in transfer portal
As Josh Heupel continues to find success on the recruiting trail, Tony Vitello says "hold my beer." Although, for Vitello and Tennessee Vols baseball, their newest get is through the transfer portal. UConn transfer first baseman/LHP Reggie Crawford has committed to the Vols. The 6'4 North Schuykill High School product is a lefty slugger as well […]
As Josh Heupel continues to find success on the recruiting trail, Tony Vitello says "hold my beer." Although, for Vitello and Tennessee Vols baseball, their newest get is through the transfer portal. UConn transfer first baseman/LHP Reggie Crawford has committed to the Vols. The 6'4 North Schuykill High School product is a lefty slugger as well as a fireballer on the mound.
Crawford missed last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Before his surgery, he was hitting triple digits with his fastball. Sound familiar? Vols 2022 phenom relief pitcher Ben Joyce had the same surgery last year before his dominant season this past year.
Crawford projects to be a bullpen piece as far as his work on the mound goes. He plays solid defense at first base as well.
Most importantly, his bat is special. The former UConn Husky was a freshman All-American in 2020 when he hit .365 in the shortened season. His impressive performances continued in 2021. Crawford hit .295 with 13 home runs, 11 doubles, 34 runs scored, and 62 RBI during that season.
On the mound in 2021, he had a 2.35 ERA in 7.2 innings. Opposing batters only hit .172 against Crawford. He was an All-Big East selection in 2021.
Crawford's physical traits may keep him from suiting up for the Vols, though. He is currently projected to go early in the 2022 MLB Draft next week. It is possible that he goes in the first round even. Many mock drafts and scouts believe that his talent and upside are up to par to be selected in the first few rounds, regardless.
That being said, accumulating talent is the name of the game in college baseball. Grabbing a player like Crawford out of the portal is always a positive. Vitello and the Vols will have their fingers crossed that he decides to head to Knoxville in the fall.
