One of the biggest transfer portal additions for Florida baseball this offseason was Stetson outfielder Kyle Jones. As a true freshman in 2023, Jones batted .355 with 88 hits, 38 RBI, 53 runs, 15 doubles, and five home runs. The 6’3, 170-pound center fielder was named ASUN Freshman of the Year and a second-team freshman All-American (NCBWA) for his efforts with the Hatters.
“I wanna win,” Jones said on why he transferred to Florida. “Going to Omaha is something I’ve never been able to do. We got to go to the Regional last year at Stetson, and it was so much fun. Going farther is only going to be better.”
Going into his 18th season as head coach, Kevin O’Sullivan has made nine College World Series appearances including back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, by far the most in the nation since 2008. His .673 winning percentage ranks 4th among active Division I coaches (min. 10 DI seasons).
“I knew what Sully was about, I know how good of a coach he is, his reputation, everything he has, and I knew I want to go play for him. There’s not much better coaching you’re gonna get,” Jones said on O’Sullivan.
Jones projects as Florida’s leadoff hitter, which perfectly fits his playing style. The Athens, Georgia native was one of the hardest batters to strike out in college baseball last season, striking out just 27 times in 248 at bats, a strikeout percentage of just 10.8%. For more context, Gators’ superstar Jac Caglianone had just one less strikeout on the same number of at bats (248) in 2024. Jones’ strikeout percentage of 10.8% is significantly less than Florida’s team average of 28.4%. Jones also had more walks (33) than strikeouts (27).
“I’m not a Brody Donay, I’m not gonna hit the ball 500 feet, but I try to do what I can,” Jones said on his opportunity as a leadoff batter. “I hate striking out, that’s one of my biggest pet peeves, there’s nothing worse I hate than striking out. Any count, at least try to put the ball in play with two strikes.”
O’Sullivan is looking for less strikeouts and more consistency at the plate in 2025, and that’s what Jones brings to the table.
Jones has plus speed and base running skills, swiping 23 bags on 28 attempts, leading the Hatters while ranking T-57th in stolen bases in college baseball last season.
That speed carries over to the outfield as well, where Jones was named a 2024 NCAA D1 Gold Glove Finalist for his play in center field. Jones boasted a fielding percentage of .994 on 167 chances with Stetson, committing just one error.
There’s certainly going to be an adjustment going from the ASUN conference to the SEC, but what we’ve seen from Jones in minimal opportunities has been promising. After missing a large portion of fall ball with a broken hand, Jones batted 2-3 with a HR and two RBI in Florida’s exhibition game against USF last week.
In addition, Jones batted .416 with three runs, two RBI, one stolen base, and two home runs in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, earning a spot on the Tallahassee All-Regional team. Against Power 5 programs last season, all of which made the NCAA Tournament, Jones went 15-46 at the plate, a batting average of .326. Against SEC pitching, Jones batted .312 with one home run in 16 at bats.
Jones is still working on gaining his strength back after having hand surgery on September 21st, but the sophomore has put his talents on display in his return to action.
Florida is set to conclude fall ball with a three game Orange and Blue series starting on Wednesday, November 13th at 3:30 p.m.