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Tennessee adds former Missouri catcher Dalton Bargo to 2023 transfer portal class

On3 imageby:Eric Cain•07/06/23•

_Cainer

Dalton Bargo
Credit: Missouri Athletics

Tony Vitello continues his impressive transfer portal haul by adding another bat into the mix with catching capabilities as former Missouri Tigers freshman Dalton Bargo made his commitment to Tennessee today.

Bargo played his freshman season with the Tigers in 2023, primarily as the club’s designated hitter. The 6-foot-1, 200 pound slugger hit for a .279 average over 165 at-bats with five home runs and 23 RBI. The left-handed hitter totaled 46 hits with six doubles and 25 runs scored on the year. He struck out 44 times while walking another 19 times.

Against Tennessee early on in the 2023 Southeastern Conference schedule, Bargo collected four hits over three games with a double and a home run. Frank Anderson was up to see him play summer ball last week.

The new addition is currently playing summer ball in the Appalachian League with the Bristol State Liners. Along with catching 10 games already, Bargo has logged 60+ innings at first base and a couple at third base as well.

Coming out of high school, Bargo was tabbed the No. 1 ranked catcher and No. 2 overall prospect by Perfect Game in Nebraska’s 2022 class. He was named Preseason Underclass All-American and All-Region Honorable Mention by Perfect Game in 2021, as well as Preseason All-American and All-Region Second Team by Perfect Game in 2022. Overall, Bargo was a Top-500 prospect by Perfect Game.

The versatile player becomes Tennessee’s sixth addition via the transfer portal this offseason, joining right-handed pitchers AJ Causey and Nate Snead, catcher Cannon Peebles and corner infielders Ryan Galanie and Billy Amick. The window opened on May 30 and remains open for 45 days until July 13.

So far, the Vols have lost eight players to the transfer portal, a list that includes pitchers Chase Burns, Jake Fitzgibbons, Hollis fanning, Jacob Bimbi, Shawn Scott, Turner Swistak, outfielder Alex Stanwhich and infielder Logan Chambers.

Last offseason, Tennessee was active in the transfer portal by adding key components to the roster who would go on to compete in the College World Series. Those players included shortstop Maui Ahuna, third baseman Zane Denton, outfielder Griffin Merritt and pitcher Andrew Lindsey.

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