Former Louisville infielder Gavin Kilen, ranked among the top players available in the NCAA transfer portal, announced his commitment to Tony Vitello’s Vols on social media.
Kilen led the Cardinals this past season with 71 hits, 23 doubles and 127 total bases.
“See you soon, Knoxville,” Kilen posted on his Instagram account.
Kilen, a 5-foot-11, 180-pounder from Milton, Wisconsin, was a sophomore this past season, when the Cardinals finished 32-24 overall and 16-14 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
He hit .330 with nine home runs and 41 RBIs, earning All-ACC third-team honors.
In the summer of 2022, Kilen was a 13th-round selection of the Boston Red Sox in the MLB draft before electing to go to college.
Kilen, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, played in all 56 games this past season and started 54 at shortstop.
As a freshman last year, he played 30 games at second base and eight at shortstop.
Tennessee had Dean Curley as its primary shortstop this past season, but Curley can also play multiple positions.
Kilen is the second player the Vols have picked up through the portal since their memorable 60-13 season came to a close, with Kennesaw State pitcher Tanner Franklin becoming the first on Tuesday.
Tennessee has also added pitcher Thomas Crabtree from Pearl River Community College in Mississippi.
