KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In a significant boost to their future pitching staff, the Tennessee Volunteers baseball program has secured a commitment from Niagara County Community College true freshman pitcher Matt Barr. The highly-touted right-hander is currently rated as the No. 1 junior college prospect in the nation by Perfect Game, signaling a major recruiting coup for Tony Vitello’s program.
Barr’s collegiate season with Niagara County C.C. was nothing short of dominant. In 10 starts, he compiled a perfect 10-0 record with a stellar 1.74 ERA and an impressive 0.75 WHIP. Over 57 innings pitched, Barr showcased his strikeout prowess, fanning 94 batters, an average of 14.84 strikeouts per nine innings. His control, while still having room for refinement according to scouts, allowed him to limit opponents to a minuscule .118 batting average against.
Despite his freshman status, Barr is eligible for the upcoming MLB Draft, and his exceptional performance has rapidly elevated his stock. He is widely projected to be an early pick, creating a significant “draft risk” for the Volunteers. MLB.com, for instance, has Barr ranked at No. 145 on their Draft Prospect Top 150 list, highlighting the serious professional interest he’s garnering.
At 6-foot-6 and 195 pounds, Barr possesses a lean, projectable frame that scouts covet. He consistently operates with a fastball that can touch 97 mph, demonstrating elite-level spin rates on both his slider and curveball, which contribute to his high strikeout numbers. His loose and athletic delivery suggests further development and command improvements are on the horizon.
Barr’s commitment marks the third transfer pitcher addition for Tennessee this spring, joining Mason Estrada (JUCO) and UNC Asheville graduate transfer Clay Edmondson, the Big South Pitcher of the Year. All three are draft-eligible, underscoring the high-stakes nature of this year’s MLB Draft for the Volunteers, who could see a significant portion of their current roster and incoming class impacted.
For now, the Volunteers celebrate the addition of a talent who has already made waves in the JUCO ranks. His presence, whether in Knoxville or eventually in professional baseball, signifies the caliber of talent the Tennessee program continues to attract.
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