Michael Allen 
Tony Vitello jumps into Liam Doyle's arms after his dominant performance against Wake Forest in the Regionals
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Tennessee baseball continues to cement its reputation as a college baseball powerhouse, sending 9 players to the 2025 MLB Draft — 8 of them within the top 3 rounds.
Tennessee Baseball’s Dominance Confirmed with 9 Players Drafted in 2025 MLB Draft
The 2025 MLB Draft further solidified what many in college baseball have known for years: Tennessee baseball under head coach Tony Vitello isn’t just winning games — it’s building professional careers. In total, nine Tennessee Volunteers were selected in this year’s MLB Draft, with eight going in the first three rounds, a staggering number that puts the program among the nation’s elite when it comes to player development and next-level preparation.
Vols Headline Early Rounds with Star-Studded Draft Class
Tennessee’s draft presence was felt early and often as three Volunteers heard their names called in the first round alone, headlined by Liam Doyle at No. 5 overall to the St. Louis Cardinals. Doyle, who consistently dominated SEC competition throughout his career, was long projected as a high pick, and the Cardinals wasted no time securing a future ace for their rotation.
Shortly after, Gavin Kilen went No. 13 to the San Francisco Giants, bringing his smooth defensive play and clutch hitting to the Bay Area. The first round wrapped up with Andrew Fischer being selected 20th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers, giving Tennessee three top-20 selections — a feat few programs nationwide can match in any draft year.
Marcus Phillips continued the run of Vols with his selection at No. 33 in Competitive Balance Round A by the Boston Red Sox, followed by AJ Russell (No. 52 to the Texas Rangers) and Dean Curley (No. 64 to the Cleveland Guardians) both coming off the board in Round 2.
Two more Tennessee players were selected before the conclusion of the early rounds: Tanner Franklin went No. 72 in Competitive Balance Round B to the St. Louis Cardinals — joining Doyle in what could become a Vol-heavy future pitching staff in St. Louis — and Nate Snead was taken at No. 105 in the Compensation Round by the Los Angeles Angels.
Rounding out the group, Cannon Peebles was selected in the 17th round (No. 522 overall) by the Cleveland Guardians. While later-round picks often fly under the radar, Peebles’ versatility and work ethic make him a name to watch in the Guardians’ system.
Full List of Tennessee’s 2025 MLB Draft Picks:
| Round | Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 5 | Liam Doyle | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Round 1 | 13 | Gavin Kilen | San Francisco Giants |
| Round 1 | 20 | Andrew Fischer | Milwaukee Brewers |
| Comp. Balance A | 33 | Marcus Phillips | Boston Red Sox |
| Round 2 | 52 | AJ Russell | Texas Rangers |
| Round 2 | 64 | Dean Curley | Cleveland Guardians |
| Comp. Balance B | 72 | Tanner Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Compensation | 105 | Nate Snead | Los Angeles Angels |
| Round 17 | 522 | Cannon Peebles | Cleveland Guardians |
Vitello’s Development Pipeline Continues to Lead the Nation
This level of draft success is no accident. Tony Vitello and his coaching staff have transformed Tennessee baseball into one of the most respected development pipelines in all of college baseball. Under Vitello’s leadership, Tennessee players consistently arrive in Knoxville with promise and leave prepared for the demands of professional baseball — both physically and mentally.
What separates Tennessee from so many other programs isn’t just the volume of players selected but the quality of those selections. Eight players in the top three rounds is a staggering number, reflective of a program that not only recruits well but maximizes talent through development, strength training, analytics, and culture.
Player development has been a cornerstone of Tennessee’s success under Vitello. Pitchers are refining their arsenals with cutting-edge technology. Hitters are better understanding approach and swing decisions. The results? Consistent SEC wins, College World Series appearances, and MLB Draft success that speaks for itself.
Recruiting Impact: Why Tennessee’s Stock Keeps Rising
For high school prospects and transfers alike, Tennessee’s track record in the MLB Draft only strengthens its recruiting pitch.
Why play anywhere else?
Players who come to Knoxville know they’re joining a program where the bar is set high, the competition is fierce, and the exposure is second to none. The Vols are developing first-rounders, big-league arms, and everyday starters at the next level — and doing it consistently.
In today’s world of NIL deals and high-stakes recruiting, the promise of development, exposure, and success at Tennessee is as valuable as ever. These draft results are tangible proof for future players who want to know which program can best prepare them for the next step.
What’s Next for Tennessee Baseball?
While this draft class leaves big shoes to fill, Tennessee’s recruiting and development machine shows no signs of slowing down. Vitello and his staff have already reloaded with talent, and with another deep postseason run expected in 2026, Tennessee’s place among college baseball’s true blue bloods is secure.
The 2025 MLB Draft only reaffirms what Tennessee fans, players, and coaches have known for years: this is one of the best programs in the country for building winners, both on the field and at the next level.
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