Florida Gators right handed pitcher Jake Clemente has been selected by the Miami Marlins with the 198th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Clemente’s selection marks the second Gator drafted in 2025, joining Colby Shelton who was drafted in the 6th round by the Chicago White Sox. Pick No.198 holds a slot value of $309,400.
In three years at UF, Clemente posted 4.10 career ERA with an impressive 116 strikeouts across 83.1 innings.
After arriving in Gainesville in 2023, Clemente redshirted his freshman year due to injury. Clemente saw the mound for the first time at UF in 2024, where he posted a 5.34 ERA in 19 appearances and two starts. Coming on strong at the end of the campaign, Clemente played a big role in Florida’s deep run in the NCAA Tournament, tossing 3.1 innings of one run ball in the Stillwater Regional while posting two scoreless outings in relief at the College World Series.
Summer of 2024 was the big breakthrough for Clemente, who was named a Cape Cod League All-Star after posting a 3.00 ERA in 27 innings. The hard throwing right hander followed that up with an impressive preseason camp, which led to much more success in 2025.
Clemente started the 2025 season as Florida’s Sunday starter but quickly moved to the closer role where he looked much more comfortable. Clemente posted a 3.46 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP while holding opposing teams to a .182 batting average. The Coral Springs, Florida native had stretches of dominance which sparked Florida’s 2025 season turnaround.
While Clemente has struggled with his command over the years, he lowered his walks per nine from 6.4 to 4.2 over the course of one season. Clemente has an above average fastball and a slider he uses to put batters away. If he can find more consistency with his command, his stuff is good enough to excel at the next level.
As a redshirt sophomore, Clemente has two years of eligibility remaining but is expected to sign with the Marlins.
CAREER ACCOLADESÂ
2025 All-SEC Second Team
2024 Cape Cod League All-Star