The Cleveland Indians selected Florida Gators catcher Mike Rivera with the 192nd pick in the sixth round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
Rivera, a three-year starter behind the dish for the Gators, is the third Gator selected in the draft, following Alex Faedo (18th – Detroit) and Dalton Guthrie (173rd – Philadelphia). The slotted signing bonus for the 192 pick is $228,000.
A defensive minded catcher, Mike Rivera is a throw back player. He prides himself in his defense, his intensity and his ability to handle Florida’s pitching staff, where he’s caught a slew of first rounders, including Faedo’s entire career.
Until a broken hamate bone derailed him for a month during this season Rivera had been an iron man behind the plate and as a designated hitter. He missed just seven games during his entire career and played on a torn meniscus during his freshman year throughout the SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
This season Rivera is batting .241 despite the broken hamate bone with 24 RBI and he has just one error.
Rivera was named to the 2015 SEC All-Freshman team and All-SEC Second team. He was named to the 2016 SEC All-Defensive team and again to the All-SEC Second team.