After going undrafted in the 2023 MLB Draft, Zane Denton had to make a decision.
Would the switch-hitting infielder begin his professional career by playing independent ball or would he return to school?
On Saturday, Denton finalized his decision by announcing that he will return to Tennessee after playing third base for the Vols throughout the 2023 season.
Last year, Denton played in 66 games while starting 65. Each start came at third base where he posted a .938 fielding percentage.
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At the plate, Denton floated up and down the lineup while finishing with a .269 batting average. He mashed 16 home runs, nine doubles and three triples, as well.
His finest moment came in the Clemson Regional. He smacked a home run in the ninth inning to give the Vols the lead before the game went to extra innings. The swing kept Tennessee's season alive despite being a strike away from falling to Clemson and entering the losers' bracket.
His play landed him on the All-Regional team while hitting another homer against Charlotte. He also smacked a three-run home run in the Super Regional against Southern Miss the following weekend.
Denton also hit for the fifth cycle in program history on March 10 against Morehead State.
As the only batter in the lineup capable of hitting from both sides of the plate, he was crucial in balancing the order.
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Prior to his time at Tennessee, Denton played three seasons at Alabama including the shortened Covid year. With the Tide, he earned spots on the 2021 Newcomer All-SEC Team and SEC All-Defensive Team.
Prior to college, he attended Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn. Perfect Game considered him the No. 5 player in the state and No. 193 player in the country.
Denton has one season of eligibility left where he will likely be an everyday starter. He has the ability to play either corner infield spot but has previous experience at third with the Vols.
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