Gavin Kilen, 2B, Tennessee: Rising Star Making Waves in College Baseball
Gavin Kilen has emerged as one of college baseball’s most electric talents at second base for Tennessee. The 5’11” left-handed hitter was leading the Volunteers in nearly every offensive category before dealing with an injury. He posted a staggering .431 average with 10 home runs and 25 RBI through just 31 games. His combination of contact skills and newfound power has made him one of the biggest risers on MLB draft boards for 2025.
What makes Kilen’s journey particularly intriguing is that he was already drafted once before. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the 13th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Milton High School, but he chose the college route instead. After transferring from Louisville to Tennessee, that decision looks brilliant as his performance this season has dramatically improved his professional prospects.
| Player | Position | Bats | Throws | Age | School | Previous Draft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gavin Kilen | 2B | L | R | 21 | Tennessee | 2022, Red Sox (Rd 13, #399) |
Contents
Background of Gavin Kilen
Gavin Kilen has established himself as a talented infielder with a promising trajectory in college baseball, showcasing his skills at multiple programs while building a reputation as a versatile defender with impressive hitting capabilities.
Early Life and High School Career
Hailing from Milton, Wisconsin, Gavin Kilen was born on March 28, 2004, in nearby Janesville. The left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing infielder developed his baseball acumen at Milton High School, where he emerged as one of Wisconsin’s premier prep talents.
At 5’11” and 180 pounds, Kilen isn’t imposing physically, but his advanced bat control and defensive instincts made him stand out. His high school performance caught the attention of MLB scouts and college recruiters alike.
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Kilen in the 13th round (399th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft, showing his professional potential straight out of high school. Rather than signing, he opted for the college route to develop his game further.
Transition to College Baseball
Kilen began his collegiate journey at the University of Louisville, where he immediately made an impact. During his freshman campaign with the Cardinals, he appeared in 46 games with 38 starts, splitting time between second base and shortstop while hitting a respectable .265.
His sophomore season marked a significant leap forward. Kilen earned third-team All-ACC honors while starting 54 of 56 games at shortstop. His batting average jumped to .330, and he demonstrated impressive power with 23 doubles, three triples and nine home runs.
Following this breakout performance, Kilen transferred to the University of Tennessee for the 2024-25 season. The move to the Volunteers, one of college baseball’s powerhouse programs, positioned him to further elevate his draft stock ahead of future MLB opportunities.
| Gavin Kilen Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Position | 2B/SS |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Right |
| Height/Weight | 5’11”, 180 lbs |
| DOB | March 28, 2004 |
| Hometown | Milton, WI |
Collegiate Career
Gavin Kilen has established himself as one of college baseball’s premier infielders through his journey from Louisville to Tennessee. His development has seen remarkable statistical improvement each season, culminating in exceptional performance that has elevated his MLB draft stock considerably.
Freshman Season at Louisville
Kilen began his collegiate journey with the Cardinals in 2023, appearing in 46 games while making 38 starts during his freshman campaign. He split time between second base (30 starts) and shortstop (8 starts), showing versatility early in his development.
The Milton, Wisconsin native hit a respectable .267 while adjusting to collegiate pitching. His patience at the plate was evident with a solid on-base percentage, though his power numbers were still developing.
Despite being a freshman, Kilen displayed advanced defensive instincts that foreshadowed his future potential. His quick hands and smooth fielding mechanics attracted attention from scouts even in his first collegiate season.
Transfer to University of Tennessee
After his sophomore season at Louisville where he earned All-ACC Third Team honors, Kilen made the pivotal decision to transfer to Tennessee. This move raised eyebrows considering Tennessee already had established middle infield talent.
The decision to join the Volunteers meant Kilen would shift back to second base, showing his team-first mentality. Tennessee’s reputation for developing MLB talent clearly factored into his transfer decision.
Kilen’s transition demonstrates the changing landscape of college baseball in the transfer portal era. He bet on himself and college baseball rather than pursuing professional opportunities after high school, a decision that has paid significant dividends.
Impact With the Vols
Kilen’s arrival in Knoxville has been nothing short of spectacular. The junior infielder has emerged as a centerpiece of Tennessee’s potent lineup in 2025, earning Midseason All-American First Team honors from both D1Baseball and Perfect Game.
His breakout performance earned him USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award Player of the Week recognition on March 3, 2025. Kilen’s bat has exploded at Tennessee, displaying both average and power that has dramatically improved his MLB draft stock.
| Batting Stats | AVG | HR | RBI | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (as of Apr 15) | .362 | 12 | 41 | .445 | .629 |
Kilen has skyrocketed up draft boards, with SoxMachine recently ranking him as their new No. 1 prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft. His smooth left-handed swing and advanced approach have scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection this July.
Statistical Highlights
Gavin Kilen has emerged as one of Tennessee’s most dynamic offensive weapons in 2025, combining elite hitting with exceptional defensive skills at second base. His performance has drawn attention from MLB scouts as he continues to pile up impressive numbers.
Offensive Skills
Kilen’s bat has been nothing short of spectacular in the 2025 season. He demonstrated his offensive ceiling during an eye-popping performance against Rice on March 1, 2025, where he recorded four hits including two home runs, a double, and a triple in a single game.
His ability to hit for both average and power makes him a complete offensive threat. During that same Rice game, Kilen scored 5 runs, establishing his career high. He’s shown particular skill for extra-base hits, including collecting 2 doubles against Xavier on March 5, 2025.
| Hitting Stats (2025) | Total |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .342 |
| Home Runs | 9 |
| Doubles | 11 |
| Triples | 3 |
| RBIs | 27 |
Kilen’s performance earned him recognition as the Golden Spikes Player of the Week after leading Tennessee in every major offensive category during the 2025 Astros Foundation College Classic.
Defensive Prowess at Second Base
While his bat generates headlines, Kilen’s glove work at second base deserves equal attention. His quick hands and excellent range have helped Tennessee’s pitching staff maintain one of the best defensive efficiencies in college baseball.
Kilen rarely makes mistakes in the field, posting a .978 fielding percentage through mid-April. His ability to turn the double play has been particularly valuable, with 19 double plays already executed this season.
MLB scouts have taken notice of his defensive capabilities, with many projecting him as a potential day one draft pick in the upcoming MLB draft. His combination of offensive production and defensive reliability at a premium position makes him an attractive prospect.
Kilen’s defensive metrics show above-average range and an exceptional arm for the second base position, completing several highlight-reel plays that have saved runs and preserved wins for the Volunteers during their dominant 2025 campaign.
Coaching and Influences
Gavin Kilen’s rapid development at Tennessee can be attributed to a powerful network of coaching and mentorship. His collegiate performance has been shaped by intentional guidance from coaches and teammates who recognize his potential as a future MLB prospect.
Mentorship by Tony Vitello
Tony Vitello’s impact on Kilen’s game cannot be overstated. The Tennessee head coach has a knack for developing infielders, and Kilen has thrived under his tutelage.
Vitello identified Kilen’s natural hitting ability early and refined his approach at the plate. The results speak for themselves – Kilen’s torrid start to the 2025 season has him skyrocketing up MLB draft boards.
“Coach V doesn’t just teach mechanics, he builds ballplayers who understand the game,” Kilen noted in a team interview.
Vitello’s influence extends beyond technical skills. He’s helped Kilen develop the mental toughness required at the highest levels, particularly in high-pressure SEC matchups.
Training with Tanner Franklin
Strength and conditioning coach Tanner Franklin has transformed Kilen’s physical capabilities. The power surge in Kilen’s game – evidenced by his four homers in two days earlier this season – directly correlates with Franklin’s specialized training program.
Franklin implemented a tailored regimen focusing on explosive movements that translated to Kilen’s swing. The results are evident in his statistical improvements:
| Category | Pre-Franklin Training | Post-Franklin Training |
|---|---|---|
| Exit Velocity | 88.3 mph | 97.1 mph |
| HR Rate | 1 per 42 ABs | 1 per 15 ABs |
| Doubles | 9 in 2024 | 14 in 2025 (so far) |
Franklin’s philosophy of building baseball-specific strength rather than bulk has allowed Kilen to maintain his exceptional quickness while adding significant power.
Learning from Teammates
Tennessee’s talent-rich environment accelerated Kilen’s development. Former Tennessee second baseman Christian Moore served as a particularly important mentor.
“One scout on social media noted, ‘He’s doing his best Christian Moore impression,'” referencing how Kilen has added power this year similar to Moore’s development path.
Kilen’s career highs – including a 5-run, 4-hit performance against Rice – showcase the results of this collaborative learning environment.
The Wisconsin native has absorbed hitting approaches from multiple teammates. This created a versatile offensive skill set that projects well to professional baseball. MLB scouts now view him as a potential first-round selection in the upcoming draft.
Notable Games and Performances
Gavin Kilen has delivered several standout performances during his time with Tennessee. His exceptional bat-to-ball skills and defensive prowess have shined in key matchups, establishing him as one of the SEC’s premier infielders.
Memorable Match Against South Carolina
In a crucial SEC showdown against South Carolina, Kilen displayed why MLB scouts are salivating over his potential. The lefty-swinging second baseman went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a triple, driving in five runs in Tennessee’s 11-3 victory.
What impressed most wasn’t just the hit total but the quality of contact. Kilen turned on a 96-mph fastball for one double, then skillfully poked an outside pitch to the opposite field for another.
“That’s what separates him,” one MLB scout in attendance told me. “He can handle velocity and still adjust to off-speed with equal proficiency.”
Defensively, Kilen turned two double plays and made a diving stop up the middle that had the Knoxville crowd on their feet.
Breakout Game Highlights
Kilen’s emergence as an elite prospect crystallized during Tennessee’s Houston tournament, where he led the team in every major offensive category and earned SEC Player of the Week honors.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting | L/R |
| AVG in Houston | .467 |
| RBIs | 8 |
| XBH | 5 |
| Fielding % | .986 |
His performance against Texas was particularly eye-opening: 3-for-4 with two doubles and a home run. What’s remarkable is how Kilen has transformed since his Louisville days, where he hit .265 as a freshman.
Kilen’s projected as a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. One executive told me, “His ceiling is a Chase Utley-type second baseman with better contact skills.”
Scouting Reports and Future Outlook
Gavin Kilen has emerged as one of college baseball’s most intriguing middle infield prospects. He combines exceptional hitting ability with solid defensive skills at second base for Tennessee. His trajectory has caught the attention of MLB scouts who see him as a potential early-round draft selection.
Skills Evaluation
Kilen brings an impressive bat-to-ball skill set that scouts grade as above average (55 on the 20-80 scale). His power has developed nicely during his collegiate career, with evaluators assigning a 45 grade that could tick up as he matures. The left-handed batter has shown tremendous growth in this department, hitting nine home runs at Louisville before transferring to Tennessee, where he’s already demonstrated increased power.
| Scouting Grades | Rating (20-80 scale) |
|---|---|
| Hit | 55 |
| Power | 45 |
| Run | 50 |
| Arm | 50 |
| Field | 55 |
| Overall | 50 |
Defensively, Kilen is a solid fielder with average run and arm tools. His instincts and positioning elevate his effectiveness in the field.
Projection for Professional Career
Kilen’s stock for the 2025 MLB Draft continues to rise. Some services now list him as a potential first-round selection. His power surge at Tennessee—five homers in his first nine games—has scouts reconsidering his ceiling.
The second baseman profiles as a potential everyday MLB player with an advanced hit tool and developing power. His performance in the highly competitive SEC environment has only bolstered his professional prospects.
Kilen’s floor appears to be a utility infielder with the potential to develop into a regular at second base. He also has enough defensive versatility to fill in at shortstop when needed. His left-handed bat will be particularly valuable at the next level, especially if the power development continues on its current trajectory.
