​Florida International shortstop Mario Trivella has committed to Tennessee baseball as a transfer with one year of eligibility remaining, he told Knox News on July 9. Trivella will join the Vols after starting 49 games as FIU’s shortstop as a junior in 2026, where he hit .287 with 15 home runs—second-most in Conference USA—for the Panthers. He also led FIU with 50 RBIs and posted a .948 fielding percentage with 11 errors.
Trivella began his college career at the State College of Florida, a junior college, and spent two seasons there. Over those two campaigns he hit .315 with nine homers and 54 RBIs in 72 games. He played high school baseball in Sarasota, Florida, but hails from Caracas, Venezuela.
This addition marks Tennessee’s 11th transfer commitment of the offseason and the fourth infielder. Other transfers who have joined the Volunteers include Chris Ramirez from Cal Baptist, Wyatt Hanoian from Air Force, and Travis Sanders from Baylor. Additional transfer commitments for Tennessee include pitchers Hayden Simmerson (Clemson), Parker Detmers (Louisville), Jake McCoy (South Carolina), Ricky Ojeda (UC Irvine), and Brody Trosclair (Northwestern State); outfielder Andrew Duncan (Wright State); and two-way player Braydon Kersey (Mercer).
The Volunteers also added a number of other players across positions: pitching help from Jay Abernathy (Oklahoma) and Nic Abraham (Virginia Tech); infielders Ariel Antigua (Arizona), Finley Bates (Jacksonville State), and Ethan Moore (Missouri); pitchers Jax Bishop and Sawyer Deering (San Diego State); outfielder Nate Eisfelder (Indiana); first baseman Evan Hankins (Virginia Tech); utility players Hunter High (Jacksonville State) and Chris Newstrom (UC Santa Barbara); infielder Manny Marin (Arkansas); left-handed pitcher Taylor Tracey (TCU); catcher Cash Williams (West Virginia); and additional infielders Mario Trivella and others, along with left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair.
Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel. Tennessee baseball’s addition of FIU shortstop Mario Trivella through the transfer portal is a strategic move aimed at strengthening the infield with a seasoned player who brings power, run production, and reliable defense to the Vols as they rebuild their roster for the upcoming season. Trivella’s track record at FIU demonstrates his capability to contribute immediately, given his 15 homers and 50 RBIs in 2026, along with a commendable .287 batting average. His background at State College of Florida and his Venezuelan roots add depth to Tennessee’s international and junior college-recruiting pipeline, underscoring the program’s commitment to diversifying its talent pool and finding impact players who can adapt to High Major competition.
Trivella’s transfer also reflects the broader strategy many programs are employing this offseason: adding versatile infielders who can hit for power and drive in runs, while also providing solid defense at multiple spots. Tennessee, in particular, has pursued a mix of experienced transfers across the battery and field, seeking to maximize immediate contributions while developing players for the long term. As the season approaches, Trivella will be among the players to watch as he integrates into the Vols’ system and competes for a starting role in the infield.