The Florida Gators recently flipped LHP Rivers Kurland from in-state rival Florida State, a source told Gator Country. Kurland, the brother of current Gators infielder Cade Kurland, pitched to a 0.42 ERA in 83 innings pitched throughout his senior season with Berkeley Prep. Kurland posted an impressive 118-25 strikeout to walk ratio while holding opposing teams to a .141 batting average.
Kurland signed with UF last week, a source confirmed. The Tampa native joins a 2025 class that consists of 12 high school prospects and five transfers to this point. Kurland is one of seven freshman pitchers to sign with the program and one of three left handers. The Gators are in desperate need of left-handed pitching after going most of the 2024 season without a southpaw in their bullpen.
As a junior, Kurland pitched to a 9-1 record with a 1.49 ERA in 80 innings pitched, striking out 118 batters while walking just 18.
Kurland has a four-pitch mix including fastball, slider, curveball and changeup, with the slider working as his put away pitch. While there’s not up to date information on his velocity, Kurland was logged sitting 86-89 MPH on his heater back in May of 2024.