The Gator baseball team took a big hit on Saturday when their top transfer went down with what we now know is an injury that will require surgery.
During Florida’s intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, their top junior transfer, Jaden Bastian tripped over first base trying to hustle hard to beat out a double play. Players took a knee and later surrounded their teammate as he was loaded onto a stretcher and transported via ambulance to UF Health Shands Hospital.
The remainder of the intrasquad scrimmage was cancelled as players were visibly shaken up, and it was later announced that the outfielder suffered a compound leg fracture that will require surgery and result in a long stint away from the diamond.
Bastian transferred to Florida from Jacksonville University this summer and was just a week away from facing his former team in an exhibition game on Friday. Instead, he will be on the bench while recovering from injury, if the team allows him to travel.
Offseason transfer goes down with injury
The 5’10”, 190lb junior spent two seasons with Jacksonville University. In his two seasons at Jacksonville, he hit .289/.524/.429, with 12 doubles, five triples, and 17 home runs. He drove in 58 RBIs through 96 games and had 91 runs scored. He also showed off his speed with 47 stolen bases.
2025 was a breakout season for him. Prior to transferring to the University of Florida, he was hitting .302/.552/.429 with 10 doubles, five triples, 11 home runs, and had 33 RBIs. He had 60 runs scored in 2025 and 36 stolen bases in a standout sophomore campaign. His 36 stolen bases led the conference.
Baseball America listed Bastian as the No. 25 transfer in their top-100 transfer rankings and he was expected to be a starter for Florida in 2026.
The Gator baseball team was expected to be back on the field for practice with an intrasquad scrimmage Sunday night.