Florida’s busy offseason in the transfer portal continued on Friday when former Clemson Tigers right-hander [autotag]Billy Barlow[/autotag] announced his commitment to the program on social media.
Barlow missed most of the 2023 season with an injury but was granted a medical redshirt and returned to solid production this past year. He made two Friday-night starts to begin the season, but he moved into a midweek role after that. By mid-April he was in Clemson’s bullpen, making his final appearance against the Gators in a 13-inning regional thriller.
He improved on his freshman earned run average (4.84), finishing 2024 with a 4.28 ERA and a 6-1 record across 15 appearances (10 starts). He struck out 42 batters and walked 20.
Florida lacked experience on the mound in 2024, and adding Barlow is just the latest step taken by head coach [autotag]Kevin O’Sullivan[/autotag] to remedy the problem. The Gators also added Samford pitcher [autotag]Michael Ross[/autotag], who was named a First Team All-American, but he is draft eligible.
Barlow is also draft-eligible, but he could earn a lot more money with one good year at Florida.
Let’s work! 🐊 pic.twitter.com/sSc8KQP1yp
— Billy Barlow (@Barlow10Billy) June 28, 2024
Scouting Report
Despite reports of topping 94 mph in high school, Barlow has featured a 91-92 mph fastball for most of his college career. Good tailing action makes it an effective pitch against plus bats, though. He also has a mid-80s slider and 93-mph changeup in his arsenal.
Barlow doesn’t have blow-away stuff, but he’s good at getting groundballs because of his bowling-ball fastball. More than 50% of batted balls against Barlow are on the ground over 109 innings of work. Even better, he keeps line drives to a minimum at 18%.
Barlow’s fit on Florida’s pitching staff
Barlow is a dark horse candidate for the third-weekend slot, but that’s only if Ross leaves in the draft. He’d also have to compete with any of Florida’s young guys who step up. Jake Clemente feels like an option in the rotation.
Still, Barlow should get a handful of midweek starts and be a strong presence out of the bullpen on the weekends.
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