Former Cleveland State Pitcher Austin Breedlove Signs with New York Yankees
CLEVELAND, TN — Former Cleveland State Community College pitcher Austin Breedlove has signed an undrafted free agent deal with the New York Yankees, launching his professional baseball career.
Breedlove starred for Cleveland State during the 2024 season, earning Power Pitcher of the Year honors and a spot on the Second Team All-Conference. He made 15 appearances with 13 starts, logging 82 innings, recording 123 strikeouts, and finishing the year with a 4.3 ERA and 1.2 WHIP.
“Austin was a major part of our 2024 season in which we finished runner-up in the state,” said Cleveland State Head Coach Aaron Bryant. “He led the country in strikeouts for 90% of the season. We are thrilled and excited for what the future holds for him in professional baseball!”
An Ooltewah native and McCallie School graduate, Breedlove transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) to join Tony Vitello’s program for the 2025 season. In SEC play, he pitched 4.0 innings over eight outings, striking out six and walking three while posting a 13.50 ERA.
Breedlove’s signing marks a proud moment for Cleveland State, which continues to serve students across Southeast Tennessee through its Cleveland campus, McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens, and Monroe County Center in Vonore.
Breedlove starred for Cleveland State during the 2024 season, earning Power Pitcher of the Year honors and a spot on the Second Team All-Conference. He made 15 appearances with 13 starts, logging 82 innings, recording 123 strikeouts, and finishing the year with a 4.3 ERA and 1.2 WHIP.
“Austin was a major part of our 2024 season in which we finished runner-up in the state,” said Cleveland State Head Coach Aaron Bryant. “He led the country in strikeouts for 90% of the season. We are thrilled and excited for what the future holds for him in professional baseball!”
An Ooltewah native and McCallie School graduate, Breedlove transferred to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) to join Tony Vitello’s program for the 2025 season. In SEC play, he pitched 4.0 innings over eight outings, striking out six and walking three while posting a 13.50 ERA.
Breedlove’s signing marks a proud moment for Cleveland State, which continues to serve students across Southeast Tennessee through its Cleveland campus, McMinn Higher Education Center in Athens, and Monroe County Center in Vonore.