2023 Tennessee Baseball Draft: Key Wins, Losses, and Essential Insights for Fans

Tennessee baseball made a big splash in the 2025 MLB Draft, showcasing its talent with 18 players selected over two days. This included current team members, new transfers, and high school recruits. Let’s break down the highs, lows, and lingering questions from this event.

The Highlights

Tennessee’s performance in the draft surpassed expectations. The biggest stories include:

• Henry Ford and Evan Blanco, both highly regarded transfers, went undrafted. Ford, ranked as the top prospect by On3, opted to join Tennessee, boosting the team.

• Cameron Appenzeller, a sought-after high school pitcher, was picked by the Mariners in the 19th round, but he’s still committed to play for Tennessee. Securing him alongside another elite prep talent was a triumph for Coach Tony Vitello.

• Trent Grindlinger, a top-100 catcher prospect, confirmed he would start at Tennessee, which was always part of his plan.

• Ethan Moore surprised many by choosing to come to campus after not being drafted until the 18th round, later picked by the Reds. His decision provides Tennessee with another solid player.

• Brandon Arvidson, an up-and-coming lefty, decided to return for another season after not being selected. His development late in the previous season made him a valuable asset.

The Setbacks

Not everything went smoothly. The most significant loss was Kruz Schoolcraft, an elite high school pitcher chosen 25th overall by the Padres. While there was hope he’d join the Volunteers, that was always a long shot.

On the second day of the draft, Tennessee saw some transfers getting picked. DJ Newman was selected by the Astros in the 15th round. His future remains uncertain, as he’s expected to contribute in multiple roles for the Vols.

The Big Questions

Looking ahead, how will Coach Vitello manage roster dynamics with so many recent draft picks? Arvidson and Moore’s unexpected return gives Tennessee some balance but brings additional questions about managing player spots.

Also, Reese Chapman and Dalton Bargo, who went undrafted, could still return. That decision would require some changes in the lineup.

Another name to watch is Hunter Ensley, whose signing could create substantial excitement for any team that drafts him.

Notable Records

Tennessee continues to break records. This draft marked the fourth consecutive year with eight or more players being picked. They matched their best first-round performance, having four players selected, and led all SEC teams in draft picks during the first three rounds.

Tennessee’s pitching coach, Frank Anderson, has now seen four first-round pitchers in his tenure, with a total of 25 overall, reinforcing the program’s growing dominance.

In Summary

Tennessee’s performance in the 2025 MLB Draft has drawn attention. With a blend of wins and losses, the team is poised for an exciting future. As it stands, the draft not only highlighted individual talents but also showcased the program’s strength in developing players. Fans can look forward to seeing how these developments unfold in the next season.

For those interested in exploring further, you might want to check out the latest statistics on draft trends from ESPN.

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