With the 2026 MLB Draft now complete, we can begin to gain a clearer picture of what Florida Baseball’s roster will look like in 2027. The Gators can still add players through the transfer portal, but with 38 players already expected on board, the roster is nearing completion.
2027 UF Baseball Projected Lineup
- CF Jaden Bastian (R-Jr, R)
- SS Brendan Lawson (Jr, L)
- 3B Ethan Surowiec (Jr, R)
- DH Caden McDonald (R-Jr, R)
- C Jon Embury (Jr, R)
- RF Cash Strayer (So, L)
- 1B Caden Davidson (So, R)
- LF Drew Dickerson (Jr, R)
- 2B Kyle McDaniel (Sr, L)
- BN: OF Brady Harris (Fr, R)
- BN: OF Braylen Montgomery (Fr, R)
- BN: OF Jacob Kendall (So, L)
- BN: OF Lorenzo Laurel (Fr, R)
- BN: INF Landon Stripling (Sr, L)
- BN: INF Colton Schwarz (So, R)
- BN: INF John Martinez (R-Jr, R)
- BN: INF Keaton Neal (Fr, R)
- BN: INF Nic Partridge (R-Fr, L)
- BN: C Eddie Marshall (So, R)
- BN: C AJ Malzone (Jr, L)
- BN C Luke Labbe (Fr, R)
Notes and analysis
The outfield spots will likely be up for grabs with two top-100 freshmen, Brady Harris and Braylen Montgomery, arriving on campus this fall. With Jaden Bastian, Cash Strayer, and Jacob Kendall returning, along with Oklahoma transfer Drew Dickerson, the outfield should feature one of the most competitive position battles on the roster. Florida has enough depth and versatility to platoon players and capitalize on favorable matchups if needed.
Florida has a similar option at first base with Caden Davidson and Landon Stripling, the latter of whom started 31 games there a season ago.
I’m projecting Utah Tech transfer Kyle McDaniel to start at second base, but that role could just as easily go to John Martinez, Colton Schwarz, or freshman Keaton Neal. There is still a long way to go before those decisions need to be made.
As it stands today, Florida’s offense is deep with a strong blend of proven production, power, and upside.
Weekend rotation
SP1: RHP Aidan King (Jr.)
SP2: LHP Trey Morris (So.)
SP3: RHP Jackson Barberi (Jr.)
Bullpen
- RHP Maddox McDougall (Jr.)
- RHP Caden McDonald (R-Jr.)
- RHP Zach Edwards (Jr.)
- RHP Schuyler Sandford (R-So.)
- LHP Colin White (Fr.)
- RHP Brady Snow (Fr.)
- LHP Jackson Hoyt (So.)
- RHP Blaine Rowland (R-So.)
- RHP Minjae Seo (R-Fr.)
- LHP Carter Cox (Fr.)
- RHP Cameron Hanes (Fr.)
- LHP Tyler Ellis (Fr.)
- RHP Ethan Wheeler (Fr.)
- RHP Samuel Lovitz (Fr.)
- CP: RHP Joshua Whritenour (R-So.)
Notes and analysis
On paper, Florida has one of the best weekend rotations in college baseball, led by 2026 SEC Pitcher of the Year Aidan King.
The bullpen remains the biggest question mark, but getting a pair of top-100 freshmen in Colin White and Brady Snow to campus should help ease those concerns. Both are talented enough to contribute on weekends right away. Another left-handed arm would be an ideal addition, but the transfer portal is currently thin in that department.