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How Are Former Gators Faring in the Big Leagues?

By Will Thomas

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 04: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets in action against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on May 04, 2022 in New York City. The Braves defeated the Mets 9-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 04: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets in action against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on May 04, 2022 in New York City. The Braves defeated the Mets 9-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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This year, the University of Florida had 11 players on MLB opening day rosters, which ranked 2nd in the nation. How are these former Gators doing on their big league squads?

(All stats via Baseball Reference)

Pete Alonso – New York Mets

Ever since he got to the Big Apple, Alonso has been one of the best position players on the Mets. The powerful first baseman led all of baseball in homers during his rookie season with 53, and he appropriately took home Rookie of the Year that same season.

Alonso is also one of the most fierce competitors the Home Run Derby has ever seen. He won in both 2019 and 2021, which counts as back to back titles as the contest was cancelled in 2020.

He has a career batting average of .257 and an OPS of .882, and has already launched 111 home runs during his 4 year career.

Jonathan India – Cincinnati Reds

While the Reds as a team aren’t much to write home about, India is a bright spot on a rather dull team. The young second baseman won Rookie of the Year in 2021 with a batting average of .269, OPS of .835, 21 homers and 69 RBI.

During his career with the Gators, he won SEC Player of the Year in 2018, in large part because of his defense.

Harrison Bader – St. Louis Cardinals

Bader, who played for the Gators in the mid 2010’s, seems to have found a home in St. Louis. The speedy and flashy defender has a career batting average of .244 and OPS of .735.

He won the Golden Glove Award for center fielders in 2021, and has always been a great defender throughout his baseball career.

Bader’s best trait may just be his speed. Although he doesn’t steal too many bags, he has a career 48% XBT. This means he gets to second on hits that are usually singles or to third on hits that are usually doubles. This is 7 points above the league average at 41%.

Brady Singer – KC Royals

Singer, only 3 years into his MLB career, has already established himself as an important piece of the Kansas City rotation.

He has a career ERA of 4.67, WHIP of 1.42, and K/BB ratio of 2.57. He also finished Top 10 in AL Rookie of the Year votes in 2020.

Other Gators in the pros:

  • Darren O’Day – ATL
  • Jackson Kowar – KC
  • A.J. Puk + Kirby Snead – OAK
  • Anthony Desclafani – SF
  • Mike Zunino – TB
  • Dane Dunning – TEX

Keep up with all things Gators here.

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