Florida 2024 MLB Draft Projections: Predicting landing spots for Gators in MLB
As the 2024 MLB draft approaches, a number of players from the veteran-laden Florida Gators program will be eligible to be selected. Everyone knows the name Jac Caglianone, the two-way star who has performed time and time again on the mound and at the plate for the Gators.
In addition to Caglianone, UF will also have shortstop Colby Shelton and pitcher Brandon Neely in this year's draft class. Both players are long-time Gators standouts who should be able to contribute in both the minor and major league levels.
Here's a closer look at where all three Gators players could be picked during the upcoming draft.
Potential MLB landing spots for 3 Gators players
#1. Jac Caglianone
Potential Teams: Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics... or the entirety of Major League Baseball
There's a reason why Caglianone has been near the top of this draft class for the past couple of seasons. Well, there's multiple reasons. The main one is his two-way prowess. Every team in the MLB is looking for their own version of Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese superstar who is arguably the best player in the league due to his duel-threat nature.
Playing in all 66 games for Florida, there were a few stretches during the Gators' run to a third-place finish at this year's College World Series where Caglianone had to carry the program on his back. Taking a look at his numbers this season, there's no question as to why he's so highly coveted by likely the entire MLB during this year's draft.
He led UF in all three Triple Crowns (batting average, home runs and RBIs) with a .419 average to go with 35 home runs and 72 RBIs. The junior playmaker also had an OPS over 1.419, which is almost unheard of, especially in this draft class. His .875 slugging percentage and 217 total bases also paced the Gators on the season.
Although he wasn't as sharp on the mound, Caglianone was still the ace of the Florida pitching staff. He started in all 16 appearances on the bump, going 5-2 with a 4.76 ERA. That last number might be slightly worrisome, but it did come over 73.2 innings, a mark that was only bested by teammate Brandon Neely.
The stats might not be there in some aspects for Caglianone, but there's a reason why this draft is filled with a lot of top talent. The promise outweighs the negatives, which is something that can be said quite frequently for the prospects in this year's draft.
#2. Brandon Neely
Potential Teams: Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs
The staff leader in innings pitched with 79 total, Neely appeared in 28 games for UF, starting in six of them. He was routinely called upon in big spots (such as the final game of the Gators' season in Omaha), and he delivered on a consistent basis.
Despite an unsightly ERA of 5.13, his WHIP of 1.27 and five saves showed off his reliable nature. "Neels" can start or relieve at the next level, and there are many pitching hungry teams in addition to those listed above who could use a dependable arm like his.
There's still room to grow for the soon-to-be former Gator as well. The five saves he notched led the team, and it wouldn't be a surprise to hear his name called on day two of this year's draft.
#3. Colby Shelton
Potential Teams: Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and Atlanta Braves
A veteran presence who could potentially move quickly through the minors, Shelton is one of the key stars on a team who once again made noise in the College World Series. Starting all 66 games for the Gators as well (Caglianone and Luke Heyman were the only other two players to do so), the shortstop was one of Florida's best hitters all season long.
Hitting .254 with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs, the last two categories were second in the program to Caglianone. Furthermore, his OPS of .925 and .551 slugging percentage were also the second-highest on the team. Simply put, Colby Shelton hit on a consistent basis for UF.
All three teams above could use that in the middle infield, particularly at shortstop. The Braves are a perennial World Series contender with a bigger hole at short than their other rivals. Orlando Arcia has fallen back to Earth after last season, and Shelton is someone who could move quickly through the minors due to his skills.
All three of these Gators could be in the majors within the next couple of seasons. Due to their experience playing in high-pressure situations that not only baseball, but sports in general, has to offer, don't be surprised if they make their mark on the major leagues sooner rather than later.