This week, one Tennessee baseball player closed the chapter on an illustrious collegiate career, while another opened a new chapter in theirs.
On Friday, star second baseman Christian Moore penned a heartfelt goodbye to Vol Baseball on his Instagram. In his post, he said farewell to his “amazing coaching staff”, his teammates for “allowing me to grow up and mature”, and to Vol Nation, “the heartbeat of this thing.” After three years of countless achievements and records broken, Moore is hanging up his orange and white jersey for what will certainly be a high pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
As the Vol fan base sadly bids Moore adieu, there’s other recent news that should get them excited for the baseball program’s future. The number one player in the transfer portal per Baseball America, infielder Gavin Kilen, has committed to Tennessee.
Kilen also went to his Instagram, posting a photo of Lindsey Nelson Stadium with the message, “See you soon, Knoxville.”
Here are five things to note about the former Louisville Cardinal:
-Kilen started all but two games this past season at shortstop, but is also comfortable at second base. 30 of his 38 starts in 2023 were at second base. He could fill in nicely for the departing Moore as Dean Curley is expected to return at shortstop.
-Kilen earned 3rd team All-ACC Honors in 2024. He ended the season with a .330 average, 23 doubles, three triples and nine home runs.
-Like Moore, Kilen is setting records of his own. He led Louisville this past season in hits and doubles. His 23 doubles were the fifth-most in a single season in team history. He had three doubles in one game alone back in March against Morehead State.
-Kilen, a Wisconsin native, bats lefty but throws righty. In his first season with Louisville (2023), Kilen hit .265 with nine doubles, a triple and 18 RBIs.
-The MLB already has eyes on him. The Boston Red Sox drafted Kilen right out of high school in the 13th round in 2022.
Kilen joins right-handed pitcher Tanner Franklin (Kennesaw State) as the second player to transfer to Knoxville since the Vols became NCAA Baseball National Champions last month. While Vol Nation may be feeling a little melancholy watching some of their best players move on, the future is looking very bright for Tennessee Baseball.
