Former Florida right-hander Brandon Sproat will make his Major League debut on Sunday with the New York Mets.
The Gators ace in 2022 and 2023 cruised through the minor leagues after coming off the board 56th overall in the second round of the 2023 MLB draft. After resting the second half of the 2023 season, Sproat quickly ascended the ranks in 2024. He started the year with High-A Brooklyn and moved to Double-A Binghamton after six appearances.
Through 11 starts with the Rumble Ponies, Sproat carried a 2.45 ERA while striking out 33.2% of batters faced — he also kept his walk rate at a ridiculously low 6.5% in Double-A.
Although Sproat needed some time to adjust in Triple-A, he started the 2025 season as one of the Mets’ top pitching prospects. Now ranked No. 5 in the farm system by MLB Pipeline, he’s the highest-ranked pitcher on that list who is still in the minors.
Sproat will be the 87th Gator to appear in the MLB and the 35th player coached by Kevin O’Sullivan to do so. He follows Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone and Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep in this year’s class of debuts. His mid-to-high-90s fastball and plus changeup will serve him well in the pros, and his slider/sweeper has potential.
Fans can tune in on Sunday using the MLB.TV app (subscription) or using a local cable package. Radio broadcasts can be found at Audacy Mets Radio and via several other streaming services. Search WHSQ 880AM in any service to find the correct channel. First pitch is at 1:40 p.m. ET on Sunday.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Florida ace Brandon Sproat called up for MLB debut with New York Mets
Reporting by David Rosenberg, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
