Florida baseball made eight additions through the transfer portal this offseason, including five position players and three pitchers. The Gators also received a commitment from Samford RHP Michael Ross before he decided to turn pro, signing for $150,000 on day three of the MLB Draft with the Twins.
Gator Country gives you a look at Florida’s transfer class.
Miami INF / OF Blake Cyr
Ranked as the 10th best transfer in 2024 class, according to Baseball America, Miami’s Blake Cyr was one of the more exciting additions this offseason. The 5’11, 188-pounder missed significant time last season with an injury but hit .306 with 17 home runs as a true freshman in 2023. Cyr has played second base and outfield in his career but projects as a corner outfielder for the Gators. Cyr has two years of eligibility left and will be draft eligible in 2025.
Jacksonville INF Justin Nadeau
The Gators added more infield depth with the addition of Jacksonville’s Justin Nadeau, who hit .395 with home run and eight doubles in 29 starts in 2024. In 2023, Nadeau hit .294 with a .385 on base percentage in 49 starts, earning ASUN All-Freshman team for his efforts. The 6’0, 185-pound infielder can play multiple positions and has two years of eligibility remaining.
Texas Tech INF Landon Stripling
Texas Tech infielder Landon Stripling hit .253 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 33 games played as a true freshman in 2024. The 6’0, 200 pounder out of Lawrenceville, Georgia was the No.76 overall recruit in the 2023 class and brings a ton of upside to Gainesville. Stripling primarily played first base and DH with the Red Raiders but was recruited as a second and third baseman.
Stetson OF Kyle Jones
Freshman standout Kyle Jones hit .355 with five homers and 23 stolen bases in 2024, earning ASUN Freshman of the Year for his efforts as a rookie. Jones led the Hatters in hits with 88 and held a team high 15 doubles. Jones is a multi-tool guy that projects as Florida’s leadoff batter and starting center fielder. The 6’3, 170-pound center fielder walked (33) more times than he struck out last season (27). Jones is considered elite defensively.
Clemson RHP Billy Barlow
Barlow brings plenty of experience to Gainesville, having started 26 games in his three-year career, primarily serving as Clemson’s midweek starter. The 6’2, 215-pound right hander pitched to a 6-1 record with a 4.28 ERA across 48.1 innings as a redshirt sophomore. Barlow could see time as a midweek starter and will likely play a role in Florida’s bullpen on the weekend.
Gulf Coast State LHP Mason Laurito
Laurito pitched to a 2-1 record with a team low 3.34 ERA in 11 starts as a true freshman. In 32.1 innings pitched, Laurito struck out 42 batters and walked 29 while holding a WHIP of 1.61. Laurito has a solid three pitch mix with a fastball that sits in the low 90’s, a changeup, and a sweeping slider that can generate swing and miss. Laurito is difficult to hit when throwing strikes, posting a .193 batting average against in year one, a number that shows his ability to create weak contact. Laurito will need to improve on his command as he walked 29 batters and hit an additional 12 in 32.1 innings of work. The 6’0, 180-pound left hander has three years of eligibility remaining.
Sante Fe RHP Matthew Jenkins
The 6’6, 180-pound freshman pitched to a 7-5 record with a 4.74 ERA across 21 appearances and 57 innings pitched. He struck out 60 batters and walked 57. Jenkins has three years of eligibility remaining.
USF INF Bobby Boser
The 6’1, 209-pound utility man slashed .299/.351/.667 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI in 34 games last season. Despite missing 22 games with a hand injury, Boser still earned 2024 All-AAC First Team for his efforts with the Bulls. Boser broke out in 2023, logging career highs in batting average (.323), on base percentage (.445), home runs (15), stolen bases (8), and RBI (41) in 55 games played including 52 starts. Boser brings position versatility to Gainesville, having started a game at every position expect pitcher and catcher in his three-year career. Boser has one year of eligibility remaining.