Gavin Kilen became the second Tennessee baseball star to be drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday night. The San Fransisco Giants drafted Kilen with the No. 13 overall draft pick as they hope Kilen can be a high-upside middle infielder in the coming years.
Kilen offers a high-contact bat at the plate after hitting a .357 batting average with a .441 slugging percentage this past season on Rocky Top. He also hit 15 home runs and 46 RBIs for the Vols, a big jump from production over previous years while maintaining the high batting average.
He is a true contact hitter for the Giants, ranking in the mid-90s percentile in-zone contact rate against fastballs, which can translate to early success in the minor leagues.
Kilen’s plate vision has also improved throughout his time on Rocky Top. He only struck out 27 times this past season, compared to 30 total walks over 53 games.
His hitting profile also aligns with many analytic databases that focus on on-base percentage, plate approach, and swing decisions. He possesses the IQ and eye discipline to be a top contact hitter in the Giants' organization while also checking analytical boxes.
As a defender, Kilen has experience at shortstop and second base. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, making him a stronger candidate for second base, but played both positions throughout his time at Tennessee.
The Giants are getting a dependable bat with an elite contact rate and strong plate discipline in Kilen. He also offers depth at the middle infield positions and could be developed into a corner outfield spot as well.
Kilen fits the profile that gets MLB scouts excited when they are looking for a consistent contact hitter who can get on base and make good decisions at the plate. He can be an impact player for the Giants, hitting for average and offering flexibility and reliability on the defensive end.