TCU catcher Karson Bowen has committed to Florida, Gator Country confirmed with a source close to the program. The junior hit .333 with four home runs before being sidelined with an injury last season. Bowen posted 12 doubles, 28 RBI, and 29 runs in 41 games, earning 2025 Second-Team All Big 12 honors. Bowen ranked as the 50th prospect in the transfer portal, according to 64 Analytics.
Out of Anaheim Hills, California, Bowen was a highly touted high school prospect ranking 89th overall in the 2022 class. Bowen was tabbed the 8th ranked catcher in the country, according to Perfect Game. The 5’11, 215 pound catcher got off to a hot start with the Horned Frogs, hitting .355 with 15 doubles, six home runs, and 46 RBI as a true freshman in 2023. Bowen suffered a ‘sophomore slump’ in 2024, posting a career low .235 batting average and .372 slugging percentage.
Bowen holds a career .308 batting average in 559 career at bats and posted career highs in slugging (.516) and on base percentage (.425) last season. While the home run power isn’t a strength, the California native has shown the ability to get on base with two seasons over a .420 on base percentage. Bowen has hovered around a 22% strikeout percentage in all three years of his career.
Defensively, Bowen plays both catcher and first base, which opens the door for Florida to add another catcher. Bowen holds a career .990 fielding percentage. Behind the dish, Bowen allowed just one passed ball last season and threw out five of 13 runners attempting to steal. As a true freshman, Bowen threw out 13 runners in 36 attempts.
Florida is waiting on decisions from junior catchers Luke Heyman and Brody Donay, which we likely won’t find out about until after the MLB Draft. Gator Country can confirm there’s still interest with multiple catchers in the transfer portal. Bowen will have one year of eligibility remaining.