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Three Florida Gators go in first round of latest MLB Mock Draft

On3 imageby:Donavon Keiser•05/25/23•

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Florida Gators outfielder Wyatt Langford
Photo courtesy of UAA communications

As the end of the baseball season quickly approaches, the Florida Gators are in Hoover, Alabama, for the SEC Tournament. With the postseason ramping up, MLB scouts are scouring the nation to get their evaluations in before the MLB Draft kicks off on July 9.

Keith Law of The Athletic has three Florida Gators going in the first round of his first mock draft, including Gators stud outfield Wyatt Langford and two pivotal pieces to Florida’s rotation.

Minnesota Twins (No. 5 overall) – OF Wyatt Langford

Law projects Gators’ outfielder Wyatt Langford to go fifth overall to the Minnesota Twins. Throughout the 2023 season, Langford slashed .395/.524/.814 in 49 games. In 177 at-bats, Langford has 70 hits (20 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs) and 45 walks.

The bottom line, Langford gets on base and can hit the ball all over the field. Langford is as good of a hitter as anyone in his draft class and has plenty of college production behind him. He doesn’t look to steal often, but he’s six-for-six on the year when he does. Not to mention, Langford’s defense is a strength as he has made spectacular plays look routine throughout his time in Gainesville.

Langford is a do-it-all outfield prospect, a safe pick to make within the top 10 that could quickly make his way to the majors behind his deadly swing and great defense.

Milwaukee Brewers (No. 18 overall) – RHP Hurston Waldrep

When Hurston Waldrep is on his A game, there aren’t many better pitchers out there. Behind his nasty split change and high 90s fastball, Waldrep is able to produce strikeouts early and often. Waldrep gets into two-strike counts and relies on his splitter to punch batters out. The Southern Miss transfer also uses a curveball and slider, both pitches that can translate to the next level.

Recording a 1.40 WHIP in 15 starts, Waldrep is 7-3 with an ERA of 4.83. The 6-foot-2 hurler recorded 117 strikeouts in 78.1 innings and gave up 66 hits thus far in 2023.

Philadelphia Phillies (No. 27 overall) – RHP Brandon Sproat

Another key piece of Florida’s rotation is once again draft-eligible this year, starter Brandon Sproat.

Across 14 starts, Sproat recorded a 1.17 WHIP and a 4.85 ERA, recording 100 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched. He is 7-3 on the year, same as Waldrep. Sproat is able to go the distance, recording two complete games in 2023, including a gem against the Crimson Tide in March.

Sproat has limited opposing batters to only .200. Behind a fastball that touches 100 mph and a dirty changeup, Sproat has big-league potential written all over him.

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