Gator Country finishes our position group breakdown series with right field, providing analysis and insight for each player at the position.
RIGHT FIELD
You might begin to see the overall depth Florida has in the outfield this season. Wyatt Langford, Michael Robertson, Ty Evans, Tucker Talbott, Matt Prevesk, and Richie Schiekofer are six outfielders that could be difference makers in 2023.
TY EVANS / SOPHOMORE / #2
The Auburndale native appeared in 35 games while making 26 starts in right field, slashing .242/.301/.465 with five home runs, one triple, five doubles, 16 RBI, 13 runs and three steals across 99 at bats in his freshman campaign.
Evans became an everyday player for coach Sullivan’s squad, starting the last 21 games in right field and posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage across 38 chances while making two outfield assists.
The 6-2, 220-pound power hitter swung and missed just a little too much last season, striking out 34 times in 99 at bats, resulting in an on-base percentage of .301%.
Evans recorded a hit in five of Florida’s last seven contests, including two multi-hit games and one home run during that span. Evans’ strong end to the season makes him an exciting prospect for the 2023 campaign.
The buzz around Evans indicates that he’s swinging the bat really well right now and is due for a breakout season. I expect Evans to start in right field on February 17th against Charleston Southern.
MATT PREVESK / SOPHOMORE / #43
Prevesk played sparingly as a true freshman, appearing in 13 games while making four starts and slashing .200/.381/.333 with one triple, one RBI, one run and one stolen base.
The Apopka High School product batted a combined .457/.524/.638 with three home runs, two triples, six doubles, 37 runs, 24 RBI and 23 stolen bases as a junior and senior.
Prevesk was ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 42 player and No. 8 outfielder in Florida in addition to being the No. 296 overall player nationally back in the 2021 class.
The 6-3, 220-pound lefty has a boat load of raw power and has improved during the offseason, according to coach Sullivan. I wouldn’t be surprised if Prevesk gets plenty of work this season, especially at designated hitter.
CHRIS ARROYO / FRESHMAN / #47
Arroyo competed as a two-way talent at Marjory Stoneman Douglas and is expected to do the same as a Florida Gator.
The 6-2, 220 pound lefty batted .328/.433/.581 with eight homers, one triple, five doubles, 35 RBI, 34 runs and 22 stolen bases from 2021-22 as a junior and senior.
Arroyo was ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 7 OF and No. 25 player in Florida in addition to being the No. 28 OF and No. 121 overall recruit nationally.
The Puerto Rico native hauled in 16 different PG All-Tournament Team honors from 2018-21 and was a four-time PG Preseason All-Region selection.
Arroyo has a far better chance of making an impact in the Gators’ bullpen than the outfield in 2023.
RICHIE SCHIEKOFER / GRADUATE / #25
The lone graduate on the roster brings his services from Rutgers University, where he played from 2019-2022, appearing in 108 games including 100 starts in the outfield.
Schiekofer slashed .330/.422/.458 with seven home runs, two triples, 27 doubles, 87 runs, 76 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 406 at bats with the Scarlet Knights.
In 2022, Schiekofer batted .330/.421/.464 while setting career highs with four homers, 44 RBI and 42 runs.
The 6-0, 180-pound outfielder turned in a .991 career fielding percentage across 224 defensive chances with Rutgers.
Schiekofer spent his freshman season (2018) with the University of Maryland where he played in 17 games including 12 starts, registering a .326 OBP across 36 at bats.
Schiekofer is a proven collegiate athlete and will see some time in the Gators’ outfield, especially if some of the younger players begin to slump at any point in the season.
PREDICTION
I expect Evans to start the season in right field, with Prevesk and Schiekofer backing up both corner outfield spots. Prevesk has a chance to start at DH for the Gators.