Beaverton Welcomes Elite Pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft to Tennessee Baseball
Beaverton, Oregon – Kruz Schoolcraft, a highly-touted left-handed pitcher, has officially committed to the University of Tennessee baseball program. This decision came on Friday as Coach Tony Vitello and his team continue to attract outstanding talent. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-8, Schoolcraft is not only a pitcher but also plays first base, making him a versatile addition to the roster.
The young athlete, who is considered the No. 8 prospect nationally in the 2025 class and holds the title of No. 1 left-handed pitcher according to Perfect Game, chose Tennessee over offers from LSU and several other SEC schools. His commitment is a significant win for the Volunteers as they aim to establish a strong future in college baseball.
Joining a Strong Class of Prospects
Schoolcraft is joining a stellar group of prospects at Tennessee. He will be alongside Billy Carlson, ranked No. 5 in the nation, and Cameron Appenzeller, who sits at No. 21. Both of these players have also made headlines as premier players in the high school circuit. Appenzeller, the No. 2 left-handed pitcher nationally, is a 6-foot-5 talent from Illinois who committed to Tennessee on November 4. Carlson, an elite shortstop from California, flipped his commitment from Vanderbilt and pledged to the Volunteers on October 25.
A Promising Future
According to MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo, Schoolcraft is not only a force at the plate but also on the mound. “At 6-foot-8, Schoolcraft commands a huge presence whether he’s on the mound or at the plate,” Mayo states. He describes Schoolcraft as having tremendous raw power as a left-handed hitter and notes his impressive pitching skills, which include a fastball that reaches 96 mph—a speed that makes him a formidable opponent.
His pitching arsenal is impressive as well, featuring a strong slider and changeup. Experts believe that he has the potential to develop three elite pitches in the future, further enhancing his status as a top prospect. Both Carlson and Appenzeller are also among the top-tier high school prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft, with Carlson listed as the No. 6 high school draft prospect and Appenzeller at No. 13.
Understanding the Game Environment
Schoolcraft’s commitment to Tennessee comes after a memorable official visit to the campus during a football game against Alabama in October. The excitement surrounding the Volunteers baseball program has been palpable. In June, Tennessee achieved its first-ever national title in baseball and made history as the first team in SEC to win 60 games in a single season. They triumphed over Texas A&M in a thrilling three-game College World Series final and also clinched both the SEC regular-season and tournament titles, marking the second time in three years they accomplished this feat.
The addition of Schoolcraft not only strengthens the Tennessee baseball roster but also signals the university’s ongoing commitment to nurturing elite talent. With an exciting future ahead, Tennessee fans can look forward to witnessing the potential evolution of Kruz Schoolcraft’s talents on the field.
