As Florida baseball begins to navigate its postseason roster decisions, the Gators, like most programs, will have to juggle the transfer portal and the MLB draft.
Similar to the Gator basketball program, Florida will have its work cut out for it to keep several players from opting to go pro next season if they are drafted. Not to mention, battle other suitors from enticing players to enter the portal.
Two of the obvious names to keep are Aidan King and Brendan Lawson; neither is draft-eligible. Although it also goes without saying that programs tempting to tamper with players is always a possibility, Florida has been successful in recent years in keeping its star power.
However, here’s a breakdown of five players Florida’s roster needs to keep at all costs.
Caden McDonald, P/DH
McDonald is easily at the top of the list. In one season, he went from being a bullpen piece to not only one of the most shutdown arms but also one of the hottest bats in the Gator lineup. McDonald’s emergence, in the words of Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan, was like gaining two players.
McDonald is draft-eligible and was listed as a top 100 prospect in the preseason. His pitching numbers alone make him a solid draft selection, but the emergence of his hitting could only raise his stock. McDonald, who will be a redshirt junior, is a player that must be kept as he is a glue piece for both the lineup and pitching.
On the mound, McDonald registered a 3.42 ERA, 5-1 win-loss record, 48 strikeouts and 8 walks in 47 1/3 innings of work. At the plate, he batted .319, with 9 doubles, 9 homers and 28 RBIs in 21 starts.
Ethan Surowiec, INF
Despite only being a sophomore, Surowiec is draft eligible because of his age. The infielder struggled early in the season, but developed into the cleanup hitter that the Gators hoped he would become.
At one point, Surowiec led the country with balls that were registered over 100 mph off the bat. His defense could use work, but his hitting numbers are hard to ignore as he led Florida with a .317 batting average and 63 RBIs. He also belted 14 doubles and 12 homers, but led the lineup with 66 strikeouts.
Keeping him would give Florida a chance to return the heart of the lineup to Brendan Lawson, McDonald and Surowiec.
Kyle Jones, OF
Jones’ injury in 2025 definitely changed his career, but the outfielder proved he was the ideal leadoff hitter.
Jones also provides needed speed on the bases, as he swiped 17 stolen bases. Jones, coupled with the return of outfielder Jadian Bastian, would make a lethal one-two punch on the base paths.
Not to mention, Jones along with Bastian and potentially Hayden Yost would create a lockdown outfield in terms of defense.
Jones also held a .317 average and delivered a team-high of 16 doubles with six home runs and 46 RBIs.
Cash Strayer, OF
A promising true freshman season was disrupted by a broken hand.
However, Strayer proved he will be a future star for Florida’s lineup. Keeping Strayer will add depth to the lineup but also provide a consistent middle-order bat that UF desperately needed midway through the season.
He showed maturity at the plate, which was highlighted by his walk-off against South Carolina.
In 32 games, Strayer posted a .272 average, 4 doubles, 4 home runs and drove in 26 runs.
There’s no question that Strayer has shown the potential to be one of Florida’s central players in years to come.
Russell Sandefer, RHP
Keeping Sandefer would likely seal the Gators weekend rotation, which would likely consist of King, Sandefer and Jackson Barberi, who O’Sullivan mentioned has the potential to be a starter.
Sandefer’s velocity ticked up to 98 mph in his final two starts of the season, with his season-best performance being an 11-strikeout night against Ole Miss.
The right-hander ended the year with a 4.42 ERA and 60 strikeouts.
Sandefer’s veteran presence would be valuable on the mound, but as a junior with increased velocity, his draft stock could go one way or the other. A solidified and veteran-filled weekend rotation would be invaluable for Florida next season.
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Here are 5 players that Florida baseball must keep for next season
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
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By Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
