Tennessee Pitcher Tanner Franklin Joins St. Louis Cardinals as No. 72 Pick in 2025 MLB Draft
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee baseball program has produced yet another talented player who is on his way to the big leagues. Tanner Franklin, a pitcher for the Volunteers, has officially signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after being selected as the No. 72 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Franklin, who transferred to UT from Kennesaw State University during his junior year, had an impressive senior season in 2024-25. He caught the attention of the Cardinals with his strong performances on the mound, leading to his selection in the draft.
The VFL (Vol For Life) will now have the opportunity to continue his baseball career at the professional level with the Cardinals organization. This is a major accomplishment for Franklin and a proud moment for the Tennessee baseball program.
Head coach Tony Vitello expressed his excitement for Franklin, stating, “We are thrilled to see Tanner take this next step in his career. He has worked hard and shown great determination during his time at UT, and we have no doubt he will continue to excel in the MLB.”
Franklin joins a long list of successful Tennessee baseball alumni who have gone on to play in the major leagues. He will now have the chance to make his mark and represent the Vols on the big stage. Congratulations to Tanner Franklin on this incredible achievement!
Tennessee Pitcher Tanner Franklin Joins St. Louis Cardinals as No. 72 Pick in 2025 MLB Draft
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee baseball program has yet another player making their way to the big leagues. Pitcher Tanner Franklin has officially signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after being selected as the No. 72 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Franklin, a former Kennesaw State University transfer, had an impressive senior season with the Volunteers. He made one start and appeared in 27 games, setting career highs in strikeouts and ERA. His standout performance in the Astros Foundation Classic against Oklahoma State, where he threw a fastball clocked at 102 mph, caught the attention of many scouts.
The 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher will join former teammate Liam Doyle on the Cardinals and adds to the long list of Vols drafted to MLB teams this year. According to UT Athletics, the university had a total of nine players selected in the draft, tying for the fourth most picks among all schools and setting a new program record.
With the 2026 MLB season set to begin on Thursday, March 26, Franklin and his fellow draftees will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at the highest level of professional baseball.
