Tennessee Baseball Triumph: 18 Signees and Commits Dominate 2025 MLB Draft, Securing Over $16 Million in Top Picks

The 2025 Major League Baseball Draft was a showcase of talent, and the University of Tennessee made a significant impact with its signees and transfer commits. With a total of 18 Tennessee-related draft picks, the university demonstrated its prowess in recruiting top-notch players. These selections highlight the promising future of Tennessee’s baseball program and the potential careers of these young athletes in professional baseball. The draft included first-round picks and noteworthy talent across various rounds, showcasing the depth and quality of players associated with Tennessee.

Steele Hall: A Star in the Making

Steele Hall, a standout shortstop from Trussville, Alabama, was picked by the Cincinnati Reds as the No. 9 overall pick in the first round. Hall’s decision to reclassify and sign with Tennessee on National Signing Day in November proved to be a wise move. Known for his athleticism, speed, and defense, Hall stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 170 pounds. His impressive skills have been praised by Perfect Game, which describes him as having “tools across the board.” Hall was ranked as the No. 17 overall prospect by Perfect Game and the No. 12 draft prospect by MLB Pipeline, with a slot value of $6,513,800 for his draft position. These accolades underscore Hall’s potential to become a significant player in the MLB.

Billy Carlson: A Defensive Powerhouse

Billy Carlson, a shortstop from Corona, California, was selected by the Chicago White Sox with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round. Carlson, who also excelled as a pitcher at the prep level, initially committed to Vanderbilt before flipping to Tennessee. His commitment to the Vols was a noteworthy event, drawing attention to Tennessee’s recruiting capabilities. Perfect Game rated Carlson as the top defensive player in the 2025 class, highlighting his “elite arm strength and plus agility/actions.” Considered the No. 3 overall prospect by Perfect Game and the No. 7 draft prospect by MLB Pipeline, Carlson’s selection came with a slot value of $6,238,400. His defensive prowess and potential to impact the game make him an exciting prospect for the White Sox.

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Kruz Schoolcraft: A Versatile Talent

Kruz Schoolcraft, a left-handed pitcher from Sunset, Oregon, was taken by the San Diego Padres as the No. 25 overall pick in the first round. Despite being mocked as high as No. 11 overall, Schoolcraft’s draft position reflects his two-way ability to impact the game. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Schoolcraft’s reclassification from the 2026 class highlighted his “ultra-high ceiling talent.” Perfect Game ranked him as the No. 1 left-handed pitcher, while MLB Pipeline slated him as the No. 19 draft prospect. With a slot value of $3,606,600, Schoolcraft’s decision to choose Tennessee over other prestigious programs underscores the university’s draw for top talent. His versatility and potential as both a pitcher and a hitter make him a valuable asset for the Padres.

Other Notable Selections

In addition to the first-round picks, Tennessee had several other players selected in the draft, underscoring the depth of talent associated with the program. Matt Barr, a right-handed pitcher from SUNY Niagara, was picked by the Minnesota Twins in the fifth round, showcasing his impressive 10-0 record and 1.74 ERA. Mason Estrada, another right-handed pitcher, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh round, highlighting his strong performance as an aerospace engineering major who excelled on the mound. These selections, along with others like Clay Edmondson and DJ Newman, reveal Tennessee’s ability to attract and develop a broad range of talented players.

The 2025 MLB Draft was a testament to Tennessee’s ability to nurture and promote exceptional baseball talent. With 18 players tied to the university being picked, it raises intriguing questions about the future of college baseball and its role in shaping the professional landscape. How will these young athletes adapt to the pressures of professional play, and can Tennessee continue its streak of success in recruiting top-tier talent? As these players embark on their professional journeys, the eyes of baseball fans and scouts alike will be watching their progress with keen interest. What will the future hold for Tennessee’s baseball program and its remarkable recruits?

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