Vol’s Tony Vitello Target Of Major League Baseball Team

There could be a major announcement coming soon that will effect University of Tennessee athletics. The Athletic reported over the weekend that Vols head baseball coach Tony Vitello is in discussions with the San Francisco Giants to become their next manager. This would be a move that would see Vitello graduate from the college level of baseball to the big dance, Major League Baseball. That is a move that has never been done before.

Vitello has put the UT baseball program into the national spotlight with a 235-99 record, and a National Championship in 2024. Vitello is under contract with the University of Tennessee through June of 2029. So, if Vitello makes the jump to major league baseball, it will cost him as he would have to buyout the rest of his contract. His estimated buyout would be around $3 million.

Vitello says he has not accepted any job with the Giants, but Jeff Passan with ESPN, says Vitello is the Giants’ top target in their search to replace Bob Melvin who was fired at the end of the season. A decision on whether Vitello will be the next manager of the San Francisco Giants is expected to come in the next 24 to 72 hours.