The 2025 Major League Baseball Postseason is in full swing, as a nation-leading 17 Florida Gators played in The Show during the course of the regular season.
 

Adding the Minor Leagues into the equation, the Orange & Blue saw 38 former players compete in affiliated professional baseball during the 2025 campaign. Among that group were four Gators who made their MLB debuts in first baseman Jac Caglianone, right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat, southpaw Philip Abner and left-hander Hunter Barco.

 

Florida boasts a lengthy history of producing MLB talent, as 89 Gators have reached the sport’s ultimate level. Dating back to the start of Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan’s tenure in 2008, an NCAA-high 41 Gators have made it to The Bigs.

 

Gators in the MLB
 
Philip Abner | LHP | Arizona Diamondbacks | UF 2022-23
2025 (MLB): 0-0, 5 G, 4.91 ERA, 2.18 WHIP, 3 BB, 5 K
2025 (MiLB): 3-2, 53 G, 3.07 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 16 BB, 70 K
 
Beginning the year at High-A, Abner ascended three levels of the Minor Leagues in dominant fashion before making his Major League debut on Sept. 19. The left-hander totaled 58 2/3 Minor League innings before getting the call, posting a 1.93 ERA in High-A and 4.21 ERA in Double-A in addition to 8 1/3 scoreless frames at Triple-A. Pitching one scoreless inning against Philadelphia in his MLB Debut, Abner made five big-league appearances for Arizona while fanning 12.3 batters per nine.

 

Pete Alonso | 1B | New York Mets | UF 2014-16
2025 (MLB): .272/.347/.524, 38 HR, 41 2B, 126 RBI, 87 R, 61 BB, 1 SB
 
Playing in his seventh MLB season, Alonso earned his fifth-career All-Star nod including his fourth-straight while eclipsing the 30-homer threshold for the sixth time. The Gator Great also posted his fourth 100-plus RBI season and led the Major Leagues with 162 games played for the second year in a row. Finishing with a robust 144 OPS+, Alonso ranked first in the National League in doubles, second in RBI, third in total bases (327), fourth in home runs, fifth in slugging, sixth in OPS (.871) and seventh in hits (170). He also broke the Mets all-time home run record in the process.

 

Shaun Anderson | RHP | Los Angeles Angels | UF 2014-16
2025 (MLB): 1-0, 7 G, 10.32 ERA, 2.02 WHIP, 3 BB, 11 K
2025 (AAA): 5-8, 24 G, 23 GS, 6.02 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 39 BB, 88 K
 
Anderson appeared in the big leagues for the sixth time in seven seasons in 2025, tossing 11 1/3 frames for the Angels across seven relief outings. The majority of his work came at Triple-A, where he racked up 116 2/3 innings for the Salt Lake Bees.
 
Harrison Bader | CF | Philadelphia Phillies | UF 2013-15
2025 (MLB): .305/.361/.463, 5 HR, 11 2B, 16 RBI, 30 R, 12 BB, 11 SB
 
Coming to Philadelphia from Minnesota at the trade deadline, Bader played his best baseball to date with the Phillies. In 50 games with Philly, the nine-year MLB veteran slashed .305/.361/.463 for an .824 OPS while hitting five homers and scoring 30 runs. As a result, Bader set career highs in nearly every category including OPS (.796), OPS+ (117), batting average (.277), on-base percentage (.347), home runs (17), doubles (24), runs (61) and RBI (54). His performance helped power the Phillies to a National League East Division title on top of 96 regular-season wins. Bader also ranked second among all Gators in the MLB with 4.2 wins above replacement.
 
Hunter Barco | LHP | Pittsburgh Pirates | UF 2020-22
2025 (MLB): 1-0, 2 G, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 0 BB, 3 K
2025 (MiLB): 4-1, 27 G, 23 GS, 2.81 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 49 BB, 116 K
 
Barco represented the fourth and final former Florida player to debut in 2025, as he became the 89th Gator to reach the MLB on Sept. 23, 2025. The southpaw delivered a scoreless sixth inning in his MLB Debut in Cincinnati and was ultimately credited with the victory. Barco made two scoreless relief appearances spanning three innings for the Pirates in September and did not issue a free pass. Before the call-up, he was utterly unhittable over 25 2/3 shutout frames at Double-A on top of a respectable 3.79 Triple-A ERA across 73 2/3 innings.

 

Jac Caglianone | RF/1B | Kansas City Royals | UF 2022-24
2025 (MLB): .157/.237/.295, 7 HR, 6 2B, 18 RBI, 19 R, 18 BB, 1 SB
2025 (MiLB): .337/.408/.617, 20 HR, 14 2B, 72 RBI, 58 R, 31 BB, 3 SB
 
Torching Minor League pitching for a 1.025 combined OPS split at Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, Caglianone became the first Gator to make his MLB Debut this past season on June 3. Although he struggled in his first trip to the bigs, Caglianone totaled 14 extra-base hits while seeing time in right field, first base and designated hitter. Based off his Minor League track record, there is room for growth and then some as Caglianone heads into his first-full MLB season in 2026.

 

Anthony DeSclafani | RHP | MLB | Free Agent | UF 2009-11
2025 (MLB): 1-2, 13 G, 4 GS, 5.12 ERA, 1.267 WHIP, 12 BB, 36 K
2025 (AAA): 1-1, 5 GS, 4.50 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 9 BB, 20 K
 
Although DeSclafani missed the entire 2024 campaign due to injury, he bounced back to provide 38 2/3 innings as both a starter and reliever for the Arizona Diamondbacks this past season. Prior to that, the veteran righty worked 20 frames across five starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the New York Yankees system. DeSclafani was released by Arizona on Sept. 18 and heads into the offseason as a free agent.
 
Dane Dunning | RHP | Free Agent | UF 2014-16
2025 (MLB): 0-0, 12 G, 6.97 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 2 BB, 21 K
2025 (AAA): 4-2, 18 G, 14 GS, 4.67 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 23 BB, 65 K
 
Starting the year in the Texas Rangers organization, Dunning bounced between Triple-A and the MLB over the course of the year with Texas and Atlanta. His best run of the campaign came in the big leagues with the Rangers, where he turned in 10 2/3 innings of 3.38 ERA ball. Dunning enters the 2026 season as a free agent after electing free agency on Oct. 2.
 
Alex Faedo | RHP | Tampa Bay Rays | UF 2015-17
2025 (MiLB): 0-0, 6 G, 1 GS, 4.32 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 6 BB, 8 K
 
Faedo did not pitch in the Major Leagues this season, as he spent much of the year on the 60-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. He spent June and July on a rehab assignment, beginning in Rookie ball (2.0 IP) before jumping up to Triple-A (6 1/3 IP). Faedo looks to return to the Rays in 2026 after undergoing season-ending, thoracic outlet syndrome surgery on Aug. 6.
 
Jonathan India | 2B | Kansas City Royals | UF 2016-18
2025 (MLB): .233/.323/.346, 9 HR, 29 2B, 45 RBI, 63 R, 54 BB
 
In the previous offseason, India was shipped from Cincinnati to Kansas City in exchange for Singer, his former Gators teammate from 2016-18. Seeing time at second base, third base, left field and designated hitter, India played 136 games in his first year with the Royals. As a regular in the K.C. lineup, India scored 63 runs and cranked 29 doubles – his most since his 2021 rookie season.

 

Jackson Kowar | RHP | MLB | Seattle Mariners | UF 2016-18
2025 (MLB): 2-0, 15 G, 0 GS, 4.24 ERA, 1.235 WHIP, 7 BB, 15 K
2025 (MiLB): 1-0, 18 G, 2 GS, 2.81 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 10 BB, 16 K
 
Splitting time primarily between Triple-A and MLB, Kowar made 15 relief appearance spanning 17.0 innings for Seattle while going 2-0 with a 4.24 ERA. The southpaw also produced strong numbers in Triple-A, recording a 2.57 ERA and 9.6 K/9 over 14.0 frames. Although he did not make the Mariners’ American League Wild Card roster, Kowar is in line for a World Series ring should Seattle hoist the hardware.
 
Wyatt Langford | LF | Texas Rangers | UF 2021-23
2025 (MLB): .241/.344/.431, 22 HR, 25 2B, 62 RBI, 73 R, 74 BB, 22 SB
 
Leading all Gators with 5.6 wins above replacement in 2025 (eighth in AL), Langford is developing into a true superstar with Texas. He became the first Gator to record a 20-homer/20-steal season in the MLB, setting career highs with 22 home runs and stolen bases apiece. Langford also concluded with a 127 OPS+ while fielding at a .994 clip between center and left field. His elite contributions at the plate, in the field and on the base paths have solidified him as a true five-tool player.

 

A.J. Puk | LHP | Arizona Diamondbacks | UF 2014-16
2025 (MLB): 0-0, 8 G, 4 SV, 3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 3 R, 2 BB, 12 K
 
Although Puk missed most of the season with left elbow inflammation that ultimately required season-ending surgery in June, the lefty managed to make eight appearances for the Diamondbacks. He was his usual self in that limited action, pitching to a 3.38 ERA, 13.5 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 on top of four saves.
 
Christian Scott | RHP | New York Mets | UF 2019-21
2025: DNP
 
Following a nine-game MLB cameo in 2024, Scott missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery the previous offseason. He remains firmly in New York’s plans entering what should be a fully healthy 2026 campaign.
 
Brady Singer | RHP | Cincinnati Reds | UF 2016-18
2025 (MLB): 14-12, 32 G, 32 GS, 4.03 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 60 BB, 163 K
 
In his first year with Cincinnati after an offseason trade from Kansas City, Singer toed the rubber for 32 starts and turned in a 4.03 ERA across 169 2/3 frames. He was consistent from start to finish, ranking 12th in the American League with 15 quality starts while winning a career-high 14 games. Among 17 Gators to play in the MLB in 2025, Singer’s 3.1 wins above replacement was good for fourth behind only Wyatt Langford, Harrison Bader and Pete Alonso.

 

Brandon Sproat | RHP | New York Mets | UF 2020-23
2025 (MLB): 0-2, 4 GS, 4.79 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 7 BB, 17 K
2025 (AAA): 8-6, 26 G, 25 GS, 4.24 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 53 BB, 113 K
 
Opening the year with Triple-A Syracuse, Sproat logged 121 innings at the sport’s penultimate level before receiving the call of a lifetime. The hard-throwing righty finished on a tear at Triple-A, earning International League Pitcher of the Month honors in July (5 GS, 0.67 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 33-to-8 K-to-BB) and following the act with a 31-to-10 K-to-BB ratio and .184 batting average against in 26.0 August innings. Sproat made his MLB debut on Sept. 7 and went on to make four respectable MLB starts for a total of 20 2/3 frames.

 

Hurston Waldrep | RHP | Atlanta Braves | UF 2023
2025 (MLB): 6-1, 10 G, 9 GS, 2.88 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 22 BB, 55 K
2025 (AAA): 7-8, 19 GS, 4.42 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 50 BB, 92 K
 
Waldrep spent February through July with Triple-A Gwinnett, then pitched for Atlanta for the bulk of the home stretch. In six August starts for the Braves, Waldrep dominated to the tune of a 4-0 record, 1.01 ERA, .200 BAA and 33-to-11 K-to-BB ratio in 35 2/3 innings. By season’s end, the right-hander went five-plus innings with three runs allowed or less in nine of his 10 starts. Across 56 2/3 frames with Atlanta, Waldrep registered a 2.88 ERA and 6-1 record on the hill.

 

Danny Young | LHP | New York Mets | UF 2013-15
2025 (MLB): 0-0, 10 G, 4.32 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3 BB, 13 K’s 
 
Having found a home with the Mets, Young wrapped up his second season in The Big Apple in 2025. As a result of a left elbow sprain, his last appeared on April 26 before missing the remainder of the year. In 8 1/3 innings pitched, Young worked to a 14.0 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9.
 
Jacob Young | RHP | Washington Nationals | UF 2019-21
2025 (MLB): .231/.296/.287, 2 HR, 10 2B, 31 RBI, 34 R, 27 BB, 15 SB
 
Tying Bader for 10th with 13 defensive runs saved among MLB outfielders (t-third in NL), Young continued to solidify himself as one of the best-fielding center fielders in baseball this year. Across 112 games in center field for Washington, Young churned out a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and four outfield assists over 282 chances. He also swiped 15 bags in year three with the Nats.

 

Gators in Triple-A
 
Franco Aleman | RHP | Triple-A | Columbus Clippers | Cleveland Guardians | UF 2021
2025 (AAA): 2-5, 37 G, 19 GS, 7.85 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, 24 BB, 57 K
 
Jud Fabian | OF | Triple-A | Norfolk Tides | Baltimore Orioles | UF 2019-22
2025 (MiLB): .186/.326/.349, 15 HR, 1 3B, 12 2B, 59 R, 40 RBI, 75 BB, 8 SB
 
Colby Halter | INF | Triple A | Las Vegas Aviators | Athletics | UF 2021-23
2025 (AAA): .203/.271/.364, 3 HR, 2 3B, 6 2B, 16 RBI, 16 R, 9 BB, 6 SB
2025 (AA): .280/.381/.424, 5 HR, 6 3B, 19 2B, 54 R, 47 RBI, 50 BB, 22 SB

 

Nathan Hickey | C | Triple-A | Worcester Red Sox | Boston Red Sox | UF 2020-21
2025 (MiLB): .234/.325/.408, 17 HR, 23 2B, 75 RBI, 45 R, 59 BB, 2 SB

 

Jack Leftwich | RHP | Triple-A | Columbus Clippers | Cleveland Guardians | UF 2018-21
2025 (MiLB): 2-0, 32 G, 1 GS, 3.38 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 21 BB, 35 K
 
Tommy Mace | RHP | Triple-A | Columbus Clippers | Cleveland Guardians | UF 2018-21
2025 (MiLB): 11-6, 30 G, 20 GS, 3.73 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 75 BB, 86 K
 
Richie Martin | INF | Triple-A | Round Rock Express | Texas Rangers | UF 2013-15
2025 (AAA): .258/.348/.369, 3 HR, 7 3B, 6 2B, 30 RBI, 50 R, 23 BB, 25 SB
 
Josh Rivera | SS | Triple-A | Buffalo Bisons | Toronto Blue Jays | UF 2020-23
2025 (MiLB): .219/.320/.322, 7 HR, 16 2B, 35 RBI, 46 R, 56 BB, 2 SB
 
Sterlin Thompson | OF | Triple-A | Albuquerque Isotopes | Colorado Rockies | UF 2021-22
2025 (AAA): .296/.392/.519, 18 HR, 28 2B, 66 RBI, 82 R, 53 BB, 12 SB

 

Gators in Double-A
 
Mark Kolozsvary | C | Double-A |Portland Sea Dogs | Boston Red Sox | UF 2015-17
2025 (MiLB): .253/.336/.495, 5 HR, 8 2B, 17 RBI, 11 R, 11 BB, 1 SB
 
Gators in Single-A / Rookie Ball
 
Bobby Boser | INF | Single-A | Stockton Ports | Athletics | UF 2025
2025 (A): .202/.368/.298, 2 HR, 3 2B, 15 RBI, 18 R, 22 BB, 1 SB
 
Jake Clemente | RHP| Single-A | Jupiter Hammerheads | Miami Marlins | UF 2024-25
2025 (A): 0-0, 5 G, 0.00 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 3 BB, 9 K
 
Pierce Coppola | LHP | Single-A | Myrtle Beach Pelicans | Chicago Cubs | UF 2022-25
2025 (A): 0-0, 3 G, 2 GS, 2.25 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, 9 BB, 14 K
 
Brody Donay | C | Single-A | Charleston Riverdogs | Tampa Bay Rays | UF 2024-25
2025 (A): .206/.308/.353, 1 HR, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 4 R, 4 BB, 1 SB
 
Luke Heyman | C/1B | Rookie | ACL Mariners | Seattle Mariners | UF 2023-25
2025: Did not play
 
Fisher Jameson | RHP | Single-A | Fresno Grizzlies | Colorado Rockies | UF 2022-24
2025 (A): 6-4, 39 G, 7 GS, 2.81 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 22 BB, 93 K
 
Brandon Neely | RHP | Single-A | Salem Red Sox | Boston Red Sox | UF 2022-24
2025: Did not play
 
Colby Shelton | INF | Single-A | Kannapolis Cannon Ballers | Chicago White Sox | UF 2024-25
2025 (A): .141/.243/.172, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 11 R, 11 BB, 4 SB
 
Ryan Slater | RHP | Single-A | San Jose Giants | San Francisco Giants | UF 2022-24
2025 (A): 6-2, 33 G, 2.54 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 22 BB, 70 K
 
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