Florida two-way star Caden McDonald earned his fourth All-American nod on Wednesday when the College Baseball Foundation named him to the First Team in a utility spot.
It’s the first time McDonald has earned a spot on a First Team after landing on Baseball America, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game’s Second Team. Somewhat surprisingly, Florida right-hander Aidan King was left off this list and didn’t even earn an honorable mention.
“This tremendous group of players exemplifies the highest level of ball played this season,” CBF National Awards Chairman Chris Snead said. “This All-America team is littered with award winners and finalists as well and it speaks to how impressive the group is.”
McDonald hit the ground running in late April when he was inserted into the lineup against Texas A&M. He reached base in 18 of 20 games and hit nine home runs to lead the team over that run.
McDonald finished the year with a .319/.379/.702 slash line and 18 extra-base hits in 21 starts. He had 66 total bases, nine home runs, nine doubles, 28 RBI and 22 runs in 94 at-bats. He carried a 3.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and .222 batting average against over 20 relief appearances.
In addition to emerging as one of the nation’s top two-way players, McDonald became the third Gator to hit a home run, throw three-plus scoreless innings and earn the win, joining Jac Caglianone and Brian Johnson. McDonald did it twice in as many series against eventual national champion Oklahoma and Kentucky.
McDonald is draft eligible, but he’s expected to return to Florida next season.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Caden McDonald earns All-America First Team nod
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By David Rosenberg, Gators Wire | USA TODAY Network
