Three years ago, the Boston Red Sox used their 13th-round pick (No. 399 overall) in an attempt to lure slick-fielding shortstop Gavin Kilen out of high school. At the time, the slender left-handed hitter from Wisconsin declined, opting instead to take his talents to the University of Louisville.
Now, that opportunity may be coming around again. With the 2025 MLB Draft set for Sunday and Monday in Atlanta as part of All-Star Week, Boston’s front office is once again eyeing Kilen—though this time, it will likely require their No. 15 overall pick.
Mock Drafts Predict Boston to Select University of Tennessee Infielder Gavin Kilen
A surge of recent mock drafts and scouting buzz suggests that Gavin Kilen may finally land with the Red Sox, who remain in search of a dependable shortstop. Baseball America, Bleacher Report, and Keith Law of The Athletic all predict Boston will use its first-round pick on Kilen, with Law noting, “Kilen scores particularly well by batted-ball data and swing decisions—two areas the Red Sox prioritize.”
If Boston does select him, it would underscore just how much they value his defensive polish and high-contact left-handed bat—traits that have kept Kilen among the top draft prospects all spring.
The Red Sox’s interest in Kilen has hardly faded over the years. In 2022, they tried to sway him away from his college commitment with an over-slot offer in the 13th round, but he honored his pledge to attend Louisville. After two strong years with the Cardinals, Kilen transferred to Tennessee, where he developed into one of the SEC’s most consistent and reliable players.
Gavin Kilen Touted as ‘One of the Best Hitters in the Country’
Kilen made a strong impression during his single season in Knoxville. Primarily hitting out of the leadoff spot, the 21-year-old posted an impressive .357/.441/.671 slash line with a 1.112 OPS, adding 15 home runs and 46 RBIs. One draft profile described him as “one of the best hitters in the country.” He also showcased strong plate discipline, drawing 30 walks while striking out just 27 times in 245 plate appearances. Kilen was one of three Tennessee players to be named a First-Team All-American by Perfect Game.
Though some scouts question his arm strength and size—he stands at 5-foot-11—raising the possibility that he might ultimately settle at second base, there’s no questioning his defensive abilities. Kilen is praised for his excellent hands and quick instincts in the field.
He’s not expected to be a big power threat at the next level, but his overall skill set makes him a great fit for a farm system that has increasingly relied on analytics to target contact-oriented hitters. As MassLive noted, Craig Breslow’s revamp of the Red Sox front office emphasized using data to find college hitters with advanced approaches. Kilen fits that strategy well, with low chase rates, high contact frequency, and a line-drive swing that plays to all fields.
If Boston selects Kilen at No. 15, they’ll be landing a player who once passed on signing with them to bet on his development—and proved himself right. This time, though, they won’t need to talk him out of going to class.
Be the first to comment