Florida baseball continued their success in the transfer portal, landing a commitment from SoCon Pitcher of the Year Michael Ross, according to D1Baseball’s Kendal Rodgers.
Ross is the 5th transfer to join the Gators and the first pitcher.
The Samford RHP posted a 13-0 record in 15 starts, holding a 3.27 earned run average in 96.1 innings pitched, the 65th lowest ERA in college baseball. Ross struck out 86 batters and walked just 21, ranking 60th in the country with a 4.19 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His 1.96 walks per nine ranks 40th in D1 baseball. The 6’2, 205-pound right hander pitcher held opposing teams to a .240 batting average in 2024.
On May 5th of 2024, Ross tossed a complete game one hitter vs Citadel, striking out nine batters while walking two, earning Southern Conference pitcher and player of the week for his efforts.
In 2022, Ross pitched to a 7-1 record in 15 appearances including 11 starts, posting a 3.77 ERA behind an impressive .223 batting average against, 66 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 76.1 innings pitched. Ross missed all of the 2023 season with an injury.
Ross has played colligate ball for four seasons, which means he’s eligible for the upcoming MLB Draft in July. You might remember a similar situation last offseason when UCLA’s All-American RHP Kelly Austin committed to Florida as a draft eligible prospect before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Astros and never making it to campus.
Florida is coming off a season in which their team ERA ranked dead last in the SEC and 152nd in the country. The addition of Ross would help bridge the gap for some of their freshman arms that are returning for another year, perhaps providing some more stability with the pitching staff.
While signing with a professional team is very much possible this July, it might make since for the Lakeland, Florida native to prove he can pitch in the best conference in college baseball in 2025.