Vols in the Minors: Spring Training Starts Again in 2025

Spring training is always an exciting time for baseball fans, as teams across the league gear up for the upcoming season. While Major League Baseball teams prepare their rosters for the regular season, spring training also serves as a crucial period for minor league players striving to make an impression and earn a spot on the big league team. The Tennessee Volunteers, known for producing some of the best baseball talent in the country, will once again have several of their former players competing in the minors. In 2025, the Vols’ presence in the minor leagues continues to grow, with a number of players showing promise as they continue to make their way up the ranks.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at how the Tennessee Volunteers are represented in the minor leagues as spring training gets underway, highlighting the progress of former Vols, the challenges they face, and what fans can expect from these up-and-coming stars in the 2025 season.

Tennessee’s Baseball Legacy

The University of Tennessee baseball program has made a name for itself in the college baseball world, particularly under head coach Tony Vitello. Known for his fiery coaching style and emphasis on player development, Vitello has helped elevate Tennessee into a national powerhouse in recent years. As the Volunteers continue to perform at a high level, more and more players are taking the next step into professional baseball.

The Vols have seen a remarkable number of players drafted into Major League Baseball in recent years, with several earning spots in the minors or even making it to the big leagues. Tennessee’s reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier talent has only grown stronger, and with the 2025 spring training season upon us, there is no shortage of former Vols to keep an eye on.

A Look at the Vols in the Minors in 2025

As spring training gets underway for the 2025 season, several former Tennessee players are preparing for another year in the minor leagues. These players come from various backgrounds, with different levels of experience and skill sets, but all share one common goal: to make it to the majors.

Here are some of the key players to watch in 2025:

Zane Denton (Third Base, New York Yankees)

Zane Denton, one of the most prominent names in Tennessee’s recent baseball history, continues to make waves in the minors. Denton was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2024 MLB Draft, and he quickly made an impact in the minor leagues with his power bat and solid defensive skills.

Denton, a third baseman, has shown the ability to hit for both power and average, making him an intriguing prospect in the Yankees’ system. He was a cornerstone of Tennessee’s infield during his time with the Vols, and his performance at the plate, both in college and in the minors, has continued to turn heads. Denton’s versatility on defense allows him to play multiple positions, which adds to his value as a prospect. As spring training begins, he will be looking to impress Yankees’ management and earn a spot in their upper-level minor league affiliates, with hopes of a major league call-up in the near future.

Jordan Beck (Outfielder, Colorado Rockies)

Jordan Beck, who had an outstanding career with the Tennessee Volunteers, has continued to thrive in the minor leagues since being drafted by the Colorado Rockies. Beck, known for his power-hitting ability and strong arm in the outfield, has consistently showcased his talents in the Rockies’ system.

After a successful stint in rookie ball and Class-A, Beck’s combination of raw power and athleticism caught the attention of scouts, and he was quickly promoted through the ranks. Heading into 2025 spring training, Beck is poised to take the next step and continue his development as a major league prospect. As an outfielder with a plus arm and impressive bat speed, Beck is likely to make an impact at the Double-A or Triple-A level this season. His strong showing in spring training could also push him closer to a potential big league debut with the Rockies, depending on how well he performs and adjusts to higher levels of competition.

Chase Burns (Pitcher, Seattle Mariners)

Chase Burns was one of the most highly-touted pitching prospects to come out of Tennessee, and his journey through the minor leagues has been a thrilling one. Burns, known for his electric fastball and devastating slider, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Burns had an excellent career at Tennessee, and his success continued in his first professional season. After working his way through the Mariners’ minor league system, Burns has emerged as one of the team’s top pitching prospects. His ability to dominate hitters with velocity and movement makes him an exciting player to watch, and many scouts believe he has the potential to be a future ace at the big league level. Heading into the 2025 spring training, Burns will be focused on refining his command and building consistency, both of which are key to advancing through the minors and earning a spot on the Mariners’ roster.

Drew Gilbert (Outfielder, Houston Astros)

Drew Gilbert is another former Tennessee standout making his way through the minor leagues. After a highly successful collegiate career, Gilbert was drafted by the Houston Astros and has since become one of their most promising young prospects. Known for his quick bat and excellent fielding in the outfield, Gilbert has been turning heads as he climbs through the Astros’ minor league system.

Gilbert’s ability to make consistent contact and his strong work ethic make him a solid all-around player, and he’s been working hard to refine his skills since joining the Astros organization. Heading into the 2025 spring training, Gilbert will be aiming for a promotion to Double-A or even Triple-A, with the goal of being a call-up candidate for the Astros later in the season. His blend of speed, power, and defense gives him the potential to be a key contributor for Houston in the future.

Blade Tidwell (Pitcher, New York Mets)

Blade Tidwell, a standout pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers, has continued to impress since being drafted by the New York Mets in the 2024 MLB Draft. Known for his devastating slider and reliable fastball, Tidwell was a key part of Tennessee’s rotation during his college career and has carried that success into the Mets’ minor league system.

Tidwell’s professional debut showed promise, as he demonstrated the poise and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. In the 2025 spring training, he will be working on sharpening his pitching mechanics and improving his control, both of which will be critical to his advancement. The Mets have a strong pitching pipeline, and Tidwell is expected to play a key role as he continues to develop. He could see time in Double-A or even Triple-A this season, with a potential call-up to the majors in the near future if he can continue to progress.

The Challenges of Minor League Baseball

While the road to the majors is always filled with promise, it is also full of challenges for minor league players. For former Vols like Denton, Beck, Burns, Gilbert, and Tidwell, the journey through the minors will require resilience, determination, and adaptability.

One of the biggest challenges that many minor league players face is the grueling travel schedule. Unlike their major league counterparts, minor league players often find themselves bouncing between small towns and playing in less-than-ideal conditions. The lifestyle can be taxing, and it requires players to maintain their physical and mental health while dealing with the pressures of performance. For many players, this is the first time they are away from home for extended periods, which can be an emotional adjustment.

In addition to the travel and lifestyle challenges, there are also the pressures of performing at a high level every day. Minor league rosters are stacked with talent, and every player is competing for limited spots on the major league roster. Players must constantly prove themselves to coaches, scouts, and front-office executives in order to stay on track toward reaching the big leagues. For Vols alumni in the minors, this means they will need to demonstrate their skills consistently and make the most of every opportunity.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

As spring training begins in 2025, the Tennessee Volunteers’ former players in the minors will have the chance to showcase their abilities and take the next step toward their dreams of playing in the major leagues. While it is impossible to predict exactly how each player’s journey will unfold, there is little doubt that the Vols continue to produce high-quality talent that is making an impact at the professional level.

For Tennessee baseball fans, the success of former players in the minors is a source of pride, as it demonstrates the continued strength of the Vols’ program. As these players continue to develop and work their way up the ranks, it is exciting to imagine the future of Tennessee baseball in the big leagues. Whether it’s Zane Denton’s bat, Chase Burns’ arm, or Drew Gilbert’s all-around play, the 2025 minor league season is shaping up to be an exciting one for Vols alumni.

Spring training in 2025 marks an important chapter for the Tennessee Volunteers’ baseball program as several of their former stars continue to rise through the ranks of the minor leagues. With the 2025 season in full swing, it’s clear that Tennessee’s tradition of producing elite talent continues, and fans have plenty to look forward to as they watch their favorite former Vols progress toward the major leagues.

For the players themselves, the coming season represents an opportunity to showcase their skills, face new challenges, and continue their quest to make it to the big leagues. From Zane Denton’s rise with the Yankees to Chase Burns’ journey with the Mariners, these players have the potential to be future stars, and it’s only a matter of time before they leave their mark on Major League Baseball. As they work hard to improve and strive for the ultimate goal, Tennessee fans will be eagerly following their progress, hoping to see their former stars shine on the biggest stage of them all.