Gator Country continues our position group breakdown, providing analysis and insight for each player at every position.
LEFT FIELD
Much like the Gators’ infield, Florida has plenty of versatility in the outfield, so don’t look too much into where I have these guys placed, especially the projected reserves.
WYATT LANGFORD / JUNIOR / #36
After just four at bats in his freshman campaign, Langford produced one of the greatest seasons in Florida baseball history, slashing .355/.447/.719 with an SEC-leading 26 home runs, tying Matt LaPorta’s single-season program home run record.
Langford totaled 91 hits, three triples, nine doubles, 73 runs, 63 RBI, 36 walks and seven stolen bases in 2022.
The Trenton native was named a First Team All-American by D1Baseball and a Second Team All-American by Baseball America, NCBWA, Perfect Game and ABCA/Rawlings.
The 6-1, 220-pound outfielder was elite defensively for the Gators as well, posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with two outfield assists across 125 defensive chances.
Langford enters the season as one of the best prospects in college baseball, ranking as the No.3 prospect for the 2023 MLB draft, according to MLB Pipeline.
Langford’s athleticism and speed gives him the flexibility to move around in the outfield, but Coach Sullivan has stated he would like the speedy sophomore Corey Robinson to play center field, which means Langford should see another season in left field.
The expectations couldn’t be higher for the 2023 First Team Preseason All-American.
TUCKER TALBOTT / REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE / #32
Talbott played in seven games including four starts last season, slashing .316/.316/.368 with six hits, one double, three RBI and one run scored.
Despite being a redshirt sophomore, Talbott returns to Gainesville for his fourth season in a Gators uniform.
From what I’ve seen, Talbott looks the part of an SEC outfielder. His 6-2, 185 pound frame should provide quality depth for the Gators’ outfield in 2023. It’s going to be difficult for Talbott to muster many starts with a loaded Florida roster, but if batters start to struggle at the plate, Talbott will get his chance to shine. He provides above average defense and has excelled in limited chances at the plate.
Talbott has the ability to play all three positions in the outfield, but I see him best suited in the corners for the 2023 season.
ERIK BLAIR / FRESHMAN / #33
The American Heritage product slashed .447/.598/.723 with five home runs, one triple, four doubles, 38 RBI and 22 runs while drawing more walks (16) than strikeouts (11) across 28 games as a senior.
Blair was a two-way player in high school, pitching to a 7-1 record and a 2.29 ERA with 69 strikeouts in 39 2/3 frames (15.7 K/9) as a senior. He’s not expected to be used as a pitcher in Gainesville.
The 5-11, 190-pound outfielder was ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 18 OF and No. 112 player in Florida while being tabbed as the No. 146 OF nationally.
The Ft. Lauderdale native picked up 16 All-Tournament Team honors at PG events from 2017-22.
I don’t expect the left hander to see much playing time in 2023.