Despite still playing baseball in 2023, the Florida Gators have found success in the college baseball transfer portal, gaining three division one commitments over the last eight days.
Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan and the Gators’ staff have been relentless in the portal while trying to lead Florida to their second National Championship in program history.
The transfer portal opened on May 30th, three days before Florida started their NCAA Tournament run.
“Yeah, it’s a mess,” O’Sullivan said before the Gainesville Regional started. “As soon as we get out of here we are going to pull up a couple of videos of guys that are in the portal. This morning, get them on the phone. It’s a lot right now.”
The unfortunate timing of the transfer portal has not stopped the Gators from adding quality players to their 2024 roster.
RHP AUSTIN KELLY / UCLA
Florida picked up their first commitment via the portal on June 14th when UCLA’s RHP Austin Kelly pledged to the Gators via social media.
“Proud to announce that I will be pursing my masters degree and playing baseball next year at the University of Florida with @GatorsBB #GoGators,” Kelly wrote on Twitter.
In 13 starts this season, Kelly posted a 5-4 record while holding a 3.39 ERA in 82.1 innings pitched. The 6-0, 200-pound right hander made four appearances out of the bullpen for the Bruins.
Kelly’s swing and miss stuff is eye opening and a trait that Kevin O’Sullivan loves on his pitching staff. The California native struck out 104 batters while walking 34 this season. Kelly has totaled just three hit by pitches in his two years with UCLA.
Kelly’s home run numbers are down from a season ago, allowing just eight long balls after allowing 13 in 2022 on 77.1 innings pitched. The right hander also improved his batting average against, holding opposing teams to a .229 batting average after a .262 mark two years ago.
The senior has shown improvement over the course of his collegiate career and will be a go-to arm for O’Sullivan’s pitching staff in 2024.
Kelly is draft eligible, so there is a chance that the right hander decides to turn pro instead of enrolling at Florida.
CAREER ACCOLADES
2023 Pac-12 All-Conference Team
2022 Auburn Regional All-Tournament Team
2021 Orange Empire Conference Pitcher of the Year
CATCHER TANNER GARRISON / COASTAL CAROLINA
Earlier this week, Florida picked up their second commitment through the portal when Coastal Carolina’s Tanner Garrison pledged to the Gators. The senior started 16 games at backstop for Coastal Carolina in 2023, marking the third Chanticleers player to transfer to Florida in as many years.
Tanner Garrison hit .275 with six home runs and 20 RBIs while posting an OPS of .983 this season.
Garrison fills a position of need for the Gators as Florida will lose BT Riopelle and potentially Rene Lastres (portal) this offseason.
It’s possible that the Gators will look to add another catcher via the portal this summer, as Luke Heyman has found a role at DH and first base.
The 6-3, 205 pounder projects as a defensive catcher but has shown the ability to hit for power in limited opportunities.
CAREER ACCOLADES
Tabbed the No.42 Sun Belt Conference Prospect for the 2023 MLB Draft by D1Baseball in 2023.
INFIELDER COLBY SHELTON / ALABAMA
One of the top prospects in the transfer portal committed to Florida on Thursday afternoon as Alabama’s Colby Shelton announced he’s transferring to Florida via social media.
“Excited for what is next! Go Gators!!,” Shelton wrote.
The true freshman hit .300 while blasting 25 home runs in 2023, setting the freshman home run record at Alabama.
Across 59 starts, Shelton recorded 61 hits, 51 RBIs, 10 doubles, and 33 walks while working to an OBP of .419 and a slugging percentage of .729.
Shelton played third base for the Crimson Tide despite being recruited as a shortstop. It’s unclear where the Gators will fit him in, but Shelton will start on the Gators’ infield in 2024.
CAREER ACCOLADES
Freshman All-American – Collegiate Baseball News (2023)
Second Team Freshman All American – NCBWA (2023)
Freshman All-SEC Team (2023)
SEC Freshman of the Week (March 6, 2023)
National Player of the Week – College Baseball Newspaper (March 6, 2023)
Position Player of the Week – SEC Extra (March 6, 2023)
The Gators are expected to remain active in the transfer portal.