Top 50 MLB Draft prospect commits to Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators landed a massive pledge on Friday night, this time from the high school ranks. Right-handed pitcher Aaron Watson, a top 50 prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, flipped to UF from Virginia.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Watson is ranked the No. 42 prospect for the draft, according to MLB.com. After the coaching change at UVA, he has now committed to play college baseball for the Gators.
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Watson is projected to be drafted in the top two rounds and will likely have a decision to make on his next move. He graduated from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville.
Watson is Florida’s 11th commitment in the 2025 class and the sixth high school pitcher. UF also landed Notre Dame pitcher Ricky Reeth on Thursday and UCF pitcher Russell Sandefer Friday.
The Gators have added JUCO catcher AJ Malzone as well.
Aaron Watson scouting report
From his MLB.com draft profile: “There are high school arms who can really light up radar guns but are very much more throwers than pitchers. Then there are those who have a really good feel for pitching, even if there are prep hurlers with better pure stuff. Watson, who threw well for his Trinity Christian Academy team as a junior at last year’s National High School Invitational, falls more into the latter category, though improved stuff to go along with his pitchability had an up arrow next to his name throughout the summer showcase circuit, and he didn’t hurt himself with another strong NHSI start this spring.
“Because of his feel for pitching, the 6-foot-5 Watson has a pretty high floor and it’s not difficult to imagine a higher ceiling as he adds strength to that frame. He’s typically in the low-90s with his fastball, but has been up to 95 mph with more consistent velocity to come. He throws his heater with good sink, getting a lot of ground-ball outs, and complements it with a pair of very effective secondary offerings which flash above-average. He made the switch from curve to slider and can miss bats with his 78-82 mph breaker. He has feel for his mid-80s split changeup, though he doesn’t throw it often.
“Watson’s stuff all plays up because he can really command all three offerings in the zone, repeating his delivery well despite his size. He’s committed to Florida, which can be a tough tie to break, but his projection and pitchability could intrigue teams to lure him away from that commitment in the first couple of rounds.”
The 2025 MLB Draft begins July 13.
