Colton Veres - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida Gators pitcher Caden McDonald (21) throws a pitch in a baseball game against the Missouri Tigers on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Noah Lantor

Sports

What Florida baseball must improve in 2027

By Colton Veres | Aug. 3

Despite a strong regular season that saw the Gators finish No. 8 nationally and host a regional, they consistently played down to their opponents' level. Florida dropped its season opener at Condron Ballpark to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, lost a weekend series to High Point in early March, suffered two losses to Jacksonville and dropped a game to Bethune-Cookman. Becoming more consistent against lesser competition will be one of the biggest keys to finding success next season.

Florida infielder Brendan Lawson (11) throws the ball infield during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Bayden Armstrong

Sports

Florida baseball’s key returners set stage for 2027 Omaha push

By Colton Veres | July 27

With the transfer portal closed and the MLB Draft in the rearview, there is now a much clearer picture of what Florida baseball will look like in 2027. Many of the top players from the 2026 season are returning next year in what Florida hopes will be its first run to Omaha since 2024. With a talented mix of established stars, rising prospects and impact players ready for larger roles, the Gators enter the offseason with one of the strongest returning groups in the country.

Florida infielder Ethan Surowiec (10) hits during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Bayden Armstrong

Sports

Florida emerges largely intact after 2026 MLB Draft

By Colton Veres | July 20

While seven Gators were selected during the 2026 MLB Draft, the program avoided season-derailing roster losses. Current standouts returned to Gainesville, and nearly the entire recruiting class remains intact as Florida enters the 2027 season with one of the deepest rosters in the country.

Florida right-handed pitcher Luke McNeillie (9) pitches during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Bayden Armstrong

Sports

3 more Gators selected on Day 2 of MLB Draft

By Colton Veres | July 13

The 2026 MLB Draft once again showcased the depth of Florida baseball, with six Gators and one signee selected over the course of the two-day event. After three Florida players and a signee heard their names called on Day 1, three more Gators were selected on Day 2, upholding the program’s reputation for producing professional talent.

Florida baseball freshman right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson shows emotion after escaping a jam in the fourth inning of the team's game against Columbia University on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Matthew Lewis

Sports

Liam Peterson joins Florida’s first-round legacy under Kevin O’Sullivan

By Colton Veres | July 12

Since Kevin O’Sullivan took over as Florida baseball head coach in 2008, the Gators have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country for developing future MLB talent. Year after year, Florida has produced players capable of competing at the highest level of the sport, and the MLB Draft has become another stage showcasing the success of the program’s player development.

Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Bayden Armstrong

Sports

Headed to the show: Liam Peterson drafted by Cleveland Guardians

By Colton Veres | July 11

The Clearwater native posted a 4.59 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 84.1 innings during his third season with the Gators, finishing his Florida career with a 5.03 ERA. Despite his inconsistencies, Peterson’s raw tools and ace potential made him an attractive pick in the draft.

Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson (12) tosses the ball during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Bayden Armstrong

Sports

Scouting the draft: Which Gators are likely to go in the 2026 MLB Draft?

By Colton Veres | July 9

The draft will take place from July 11-12, with Rounds 1-4 being held Saturday and Rounds 5-20 taking place Sunday. The Gators have multiple current players and high school commits who could be selected throughout the 20 rounds. Among the group, junior starting pitcher Liam Peterson has the strongest draft pedigree. Ranked No. 20 in MLB.com’s Top 250 players, the junior has consistently been projected as a first-round selection.

Florida head coach Kevin O'Sullivan walk to the mound during a pitching change during an NCAA baseball game against Florida A&M University, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Caroline Walsh

Sports

Florida hires Todd Butler as assistant baseball coach

By Colton Veres | July 6

The Florida Gators have added one of college baseball's most experienced and accomplished recruiters to Kevin O'Sullivan's coaching staff, hiring Todd Butler as an assistant coach after three seasons at Oklahoma.

Florida left-handed pitcher Eli Blair (34) throws a pitch during an NCAA baseball game against Jacksonville University, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida addresses key needs in transfer portal; left-handed pitching remains a question

By Colton Veres | July 6

Florida has put together a good — but not great — portal class so far with nine commitments for the 2027 season. While the Gators addressed several roster needs, one concern remains: left-handed pitching.

Florida Gators infielder Ethan Surowiec throws the ball during an NCAA Baseball game against High Point, Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Ryan Friedenberg

Sports

Florida lands JUCO slugger Caden Davidson from Gaston College

By Colton Veres | July 1

The right-handed hitter put together a dominant freshman campaign, batting .500 with 23 home runs, 18 doubles and 110 RBIs in 58 games. His performance earned him 2026 NJCAA First Team All-America honors.