Tennessee Volunteers land standout transfer pitcher Brady Frederick from ETSU, bolstering their pitching rotation with experienced and proven talent.

The University of Tennessee Volunteers have made a significant splash in the 2025 college baseball offseason by securing the transfer of right-handed pitcher Brady Frederick from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). This acquisition not only strengthens the Volunteers’ pitching rotation but also brings an experienced and highly talented arm back to Knoxville — Frederick’s hometown — signaling Tennessee’s serious commitment to competing at the highest level in college baseball.

Brady Frederick’s Rise: From Knoxville to ETSU Stardom

Brady Frederick is no stranger to the spotlight in Tennessee baseball circles. Hailing from Knoxville and a product of Bearden High School, Frederick was a standout high school pitcher with a reputation for command, poise, and a competitive edge. Opting to begin his collegiate career at ETSU, Frederick quickly established himself as a dominant force in the Southern Conference (SoCon).

During his time at ETSU, Frederick’s trajectory was nothing short of impressive. His 2025 season, in particular, marked a breakout year — earning him SoCon Pitcher of the Year honors, a spot on the SoCon All-Tournament Team, and All-SoCon First Team recognition. Over nearly 30 innings pitched, Frederick posted an exceptional 2.12 ERA, striking out 30 batters while limiting opposing hitters to a .176 average. His mix of velocity, pitch movement, and tactical pitching mindset allowed him to thrive against a variety of lineups, making him one of the premier pitchers in the conference.

Why Tennessee Made the Move for Frederick

The Volunteers have been steadily building a pitching staff capable of deep postseason runs. Tennessee’s coaching staff identified the need for a reliable, battle-tested arm to strengthen the rotation, particularly one who could handle pressure situations and contribute immediately. Brady Frederick fits that mold perfectly.

A few reasons Tennessee pursued Frederick aggressively include:

• Proven Performance Under Pressure: Frederick’s success in high-stakes games — such as his commanding outings in the SoCon tournament and notable performances against SEC opponents like the University of Tennessee in March 2025 — demonstrates his ability to perform at a high level in critical moments.
• Experience and Maturity: At 21, Frederick brings more than just raw talent; his experience navigating collegiate baseball’s competitive environment means he requires less developmental time than younger pitchers. Tennessee can plug him into the rotation or bullpen as needed, with confidence.
• Local Talent and Fan Connection: Frederick’s Knoxville roots give Tennessee a homegrown player fans can rally behind. His story of returning to pitch for his hometown university adds an inspiring narrative to the Volunteers’ season and can energize the local baseball community.
• Depth for a Grueling SEC Season: The SEC is one of the toughest conferences in college baseball. Having multiple dependable pitchers is critical for weathering the demands of a long season. Frederick’s addition provides coach Tony Vitello’s staff with more flexibility and stamina on the mound.

Frederick’s Strengths on the Mound

What makes Frederick such a coveted pitcher? A combination of physical ability, refined pitching mechanics, and mental approach sets him apart.

• Pitch Arsenal: Frederick boasts a fastball that sits in the low to mid-90s with excellent movement, complemented by a sharp slider and a deceptive changeup. This trio keeps hitters off balance and allows him to get outs in various counts.
• Command and Control: One of Frederick’s defining traits is his exceptional control. He walks very few batters, minimizing free bases and forcing hitters to earn their way on. This precision reduces stress on the defense and keeps pitch counts manageable.
• Composure: Frederick’s demeanor on the mound is calm and collected, even in high-pressure scenarios. This ability to stay composed translates into fewer mistakes and the capacity to pitch deep into games.
• Adaptability: Whether starting or relieving, Frederick has shown he can adjust to different roles and situations. This versatility is invaluable in college baseball, where roles sometimes shift based on team needs.

What This Means for Tennessee’s 2025 Season

The Volunteers’ pitching staff for 2025 already features several talented arms, but adding Frederick provides a significant upgrade in both quality and depth.

• Immediate Rotation Impact: Frederick is projected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation from day one. His innings limit from previous seasons allows Tennessee to strategically manage his workload, maximizing his effectiveness in important conference games.
• Bullpen Depth: If needed, Frederick can also provide high-leverage innings out of the bullpen, strengthening Tennessee’s relief options. His experience and confidence make him an ideal candidate to handle late-game situations.
• Mentorship Role: As a transfer with proven success, Frederick is positioned to mentor younger pitchers and help them adapt to the intensity of SEC play. His leadership in the locker room and on the mound will be a valuable intangible asset.
• Enhanced Competitiveness: Tennessee’s pitching staff is a key reason they have been competitive in recent years. Frederick’s addition boosts the overall talent pool, giving the Vols a deeper, more resilient staff ready to face tough opponents week in and week out.

Tennessee’s Ambitions and Frederick’s Fit

Coach Tony Vitello and his staff have been building Tennessee into a perennial contender, with the ultimate goal of competing for SEC titles and making deep runs in the NCAA tournament. The addition of Frederick aligns perfectly with that vision.

Vitello has emphasized the importance of pitching depth and experience in recent interviews, stating that “to win at the highest levels, you need pitchers who can handle the moment and deliver consistently. Brady Frederick fits that description.”

Frederick’s return to Knoxville also energizes the fan base and program, symbolizing Tennessee’s ability to attract and retain top talent. His journey from local standout to SoCon star and now SEC competitor embodies the pathway the Volunteers want to offer to future recruits.

Frederick’s Own Perspective

Though the transfer was recent, Frederick has expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Tennessee’s program. In statements to local media, he highlighted how meaningful it is to pitch for his hometown university.

“Growing up in Knoxville, playing for the Vols has always been a dream,” Frederick said. “I’m grateful for my time at ETSU, but coming home to Tennessee means everything to me. I want to help this team compete for championships and be part of something special.”

His commitment to work hard, embrace the team culture, and improve every day reflects the qualities Tennessee seeks in all its players.

Challenges and Expectations

While the move to Tennessee is promising, Frederick will face challenges stepping into the SEC, widely regarded as the toughest conference in college baseball. The hitters are faster, stronger, and more disciplined than those he faced in the SoCon.

However, Frederick’s track record of adapting and improving suggests he is ready for this step. His control, pitch mix, and competitive mindset provide a solid foundation for success against SEC lineups.

Tennessee fans and coaches alike will expect Frederick to contribute meaningfully — whether as a weekend starter facing top conference rivals or as a key piece in the bullpen during tight postseason contests.

Broader Impact on Tennessee Baseball

Frederick’s transfer signals a broader trend for Tennessee: leveraging the transfer portal to enhance roster talent. Alongside recruiting high school prospects, the Volunteers are smartly supplementing their roster with proven college players ready to make an immediate impact.

This approach helps build a balanced team of youth and experience, increases competitiveness, and can shorten the timeline to championship contention.

Moreover, landing a local player like Frederick strengthens the ties between Tennessee’s baseball program and the community, fostering greater fan engagement and support.

The addition of Brady Frederick to the Tennessee Volunteers is an exciting development for both the program and the player. For Tennessee, he represents a significant upgrade to a pitching staff that is key to their 2025 ambitions. For Frederick, it’s a chance to compete at the highest collegiate level while pitching in front of a hometown crowd.

This transfer underscores the growing importance of the transfer portal in college baseball, offering players new opportunities and programs the chance to enhance their rosters quickly with experienced talent.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Brady Frederick and the Volunteers to see how this promising partnership unfolds. Given Frederick’s proven talent, local roots, and competitive spirit, Tennessee fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about their pitching rotation — and their championship hopes.