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Ethan Moore to play for Tennessee baseball, turns down MLB Draft

On3 imageby: Eric Cain07/14/25_Cainer
Ethan Moore. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ethan Moore. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tennessee signee Ethan Moore, a middle infielder from River Forest, Ill. has turned down the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft and will play for Tennessee baseball at the collegiate level. Moore was considered a serious draft risk heading into the summer as it felt as if he would sign a professional contract when the time comes and opt to skip college.  

The prep signee was later drafted in the 18th round with pick No. 534 by the Cincinnati Reds, but still plans to come to Tennessee.

Moore is a 6-foot-0, 190-pound infielder that projects well at the next level. He was considered a top-100 prospect by Perfect Game for the Class of 2025, ranking No. 94 overall and as the No. 35 shortstop. The Tennessee signee is a switch hitter who possesses good strength in the box.

Coming into draft weekend, Moore was tabbed as the No. 100 prospect by MLB Pipeline and the No. 140 prospect by Baseball America.

Tennessee had great success with the 2024 signing class last summer, surviving several draft battles and getting plenty of talent to Knoxville. The Vols’ highest-rated signee Anson Seibert made it to campus. Fellow top-100 recruits (Perfect Game) Levi Clark, Tegan Kuhns, Jay Abernathy, Brayden Krenzel, Manny Marin and Jaxon Walker also turned down professional opportunities to come and play for Tennessee.

Scouting Report from MLB.com

Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Arm: 45 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

“Moore may be the best Illinois high school hitter since Alek Thomas went in the second round of the 2018 Draft. He made hard contact everywhere he went on showcase circuit last summer, including batting .357 without a strikeout in 16 plate appearances in the Area Code Games. He has had a puzzling spring, showing improved strength but regressing in all phases of the game.

A switch-hitter, Moore features a compact swing and smacks line drives all over the field, stroking the ball with more authority from the left side of the plate. His combination of hitting ability, bat speed and strength should produce 15-20 homers annually once he adds some more loft to his stroke. He has the aptitude to work counts and hit the ball where it’s pitched, but he hasn’t barreled balls as expected during his senior season.

Moore’s speed grades range from average to solid and he shows good instincts on the bases. The Tennessee recruit is athletic and has reliable hands, but he lacks premium range and his fringy arm strength almost certainly will push him to second base in the future. Besides his physical ability, he also earns praise for his intelligence and competitiveness.”

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