The San Diego Padres selected Tennessee left-handed pitcher signee Kruz Schoolcraft with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft Sunday night.
Schoolcraft ranked as the No. 7 player and the top left-handed pitcher in the 2025 recruiting cycle according to Perfect Game. MLB Pipeline tabbed the Beaverton, Oregon native as the No. 19 MLB draft prospect.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound southpaw starred at Sunset High School in Oregon where he posted a 10-1 record and 0.39 ERA during his senior season according to MaxPreps. Schoolcraft struck out 146 batters while walking just 19 in 71.2 innings pitched. He also starred on Sunset’s basketball team.
Schoolcraft committed to Tony Vitello and his staff on Dec. 20 after officially visiting Tennessee earlier in the fall.
More From RTI: Milwaukee Brewers Select Tennessee’s Andrew Fischer In First Round Of MLB Draft
While Schoolcraft could still come to Tennessee and play college baseball, it’s unlikely that the Padres would have drafted him in the first round if they weren’t prepared to match his asking price and sign him straight out of high school.
Schoolcraft is the third Tennessee signee off the board along with shortstops Steele Hall and Billy Carlson. Ethan Moore and Cameron Appenzeller are also threats to sign professionally and forego college baseball.
Left-handed pitching remains a question mark for Tennessee ahead of the 2026 season. Virginia transfer Evan Blanco and Duke transfer Mark Hindy are currently the only left-handed pitchers on Tennessee’s roster. Appenzeller is also a big arm left-handed pitcher who could contribute right away if he makes it to campus.
Follow along at RockyTopInsider.com for complete coverage of Tennessee baseball related action in the 2026 MLB Draft.
