Gavin Kilen bet on college, and it’s paying off.
A top prospect out of Wisconsin in 2022, he drew MLB draft interest and even heard his name called in the 13th round by the Boston Red Sox. But instead of signing, he honored his commitment to Louisville, believing the college route would better prepare him for a pro career.
Two years later, after a strong run with Louisville, Kilen sought a new challenge and landed at Tennessee, a program that has become a factory for MLB talent. Now, as he enters his junior season, he is a potential first-round pick in July’s draft.
“It’s been a ride,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade anything for it. I’m grateful for the good, bad and ugly. I think it all has gotten me to this point in my life. It’s been a fun ride to be a part of.”
Kilen is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound left-handed hitter known for his above-average bat-to-ball skills. He uses a relaxed, slightly crouched stance and quick, compact left-handed swing to drive the baseball into the gaps and hit for some power.
Throughout college, Kilen has made significant strides mentally and physically. He credits the adversity he faced as a freshman for sharpening his mental approach. Since arriving at Tennessee, he has added 16 pounds to his frame, thanks to improved eating habits and a dedicated strength program — key factors in his development as a more complete player.
“My mental approach is my biggest strength,” Kilen said. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and the team I am a part of. If I can control that and stay level-headed, everything else will take care of itself.”
Kilen was a high school shortstop before shifting to second base as a freshman at Louisville. He returned to shortstop last season at Louisville but is back at second base this year at Tennessee, with projected first-round pick Dean Curley anchoring the spot.
His athleticism, arm strength and instincts make him a standout defender at second, and his versatility adds to his value. While his skill set profiles best at second base long-term, his ability to move around the infield gives him the potential to contribute in multiple roles at the next level.
“Any way you look at it, we are going to be the best middle infield in the country,” Kilen said. “It’s a lot of fun to have someone like that around. It’s a lot more competitive. I have logged enough innings at both spots to say I am comfortable at both spots.”
After hitting .265 as a full-time starter his freshman year, Kilen made a significant jump as a sophomore in 2024. He slashed .330 with 23 doubles, nine home runs, and 41 RBIs over 234 plate appearances in 54 games, showcasing his improved approach at the plate.
Despite his individual success, Louisville missed the NCAA Tournament in both of his seasons there. Now at Tennessee, he joins a program fresh off a national championship with legitimate expectations to return to Omaha and defend its title.
“It’s fun being in this program,” Kilen said. “At Louisville, we were more of an underdog and didn’t have the years we were expecting to. It is almost like a flip and a change of pace, which is good. Here, the expectations are high. I’m excited because everyone is going to want to bring their best against us. I think we are as good of a group as anyone in the country. Bring it on. It’ll be fun.”
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 10 years. He has interviewed 580 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
