Florida right-handed pitcher Brandon Neely was selected 86th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the 3rd round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Neely now holds status as the 222nd draft pick in UF baseball history and the 107th of the Kevin O’Sullivan era. The expected slot value at pick 86 is $878,000, according to MLB.com.
Over the course of his three-year collegiate career, Neely worked to a 4.23 ERA with 254 strikeouts across 203.2 innings pitched.
As a true freshman in 2022, Neely worked his way into the weekend rotation, making 10 starts across 21 appearances and pitching to a 3.76 ERA. The Seville, Florida native earned a spot on the 2022 Freshman All-SEC Team for his efforts during his rookie campaign.
The 6’3 right hander served as Florida’s closer in 2023, leading the SEC with 13 saves in 14 opportunities, which tied for sixth nationally. Neely worked to a career-low ERA of 3.58 and earned a 2023 Second Team All-American selection.
The 2024 season was quite the roller coaster for Neely, who started the season as the Gators’ closer, switched to their Friday night starter, and moved back to closer before Florida went on a deep postseason run.
While his season ERA of 5.13 was a career-high, Neely went on a historic run which helped Florida reach the final four of the 2024 College World Series. From May 17th vs Georgia until the end of the season, Neely allowed just six earned runs while striking out 44 batters in 28.2 innings pitched, an ERA of 1.91 during that span.
Neely earned a spot on the 2024 Stillwater Regional All-Tournament Team for throwing eight scoreless innings of relief across two appearances, including 5.2 innings of one hit ball against Oklahoma State in an elimination game.
Neely is a guy that could project as a starter at the professional level despite spending most of his time at closer in college. His fastball has a high whiff rate and is viewed as his best pitch. Neely also brings a plus slider to the table.
Neely’s Career Accolades
2024 Stillwater Regional All-Tournament Team
2024 SEC Pitcher of the Week (March 18)
2024 NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week (Week 5)
2024 Preseason All-American First Team (NCBWA)
2024 Preseason All-American Second Team (D1B)
2024 Preseason All-American Second Team (PG)
2024 Preseason All-SEC First Team
2024 Preseason Third Team All-American (PG)
2023 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Member
2023 Second Team All-American (NCBWA)
2023 NCAA Gainesville Regional All-Tournament Team
2023 First Team All-SEC
2023 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Finalist
2022 Freshman All-SEC Team
2022 SEC Freshman of the Week (May 23)