On the heels of a major addition to Florida’s pitching staff, the Gators are losing left-handed sophomore [autotag]Cade Fisher[/autotag], who started the year in the Friday night slot after being named a Freshman All-American in 2023.
Fisher’s fall from grace was sudden. He immediately emerged as the most consistent arm in Florida’s small 2023 recruiting class. He made 27 appearances, including two starts, and ended the season with a 6-0 record, two saves and a 3.10 earned run average. His 48 strikeouts more than tripled his 13 walks, and he held opposing hitters to a .262 batting average over 49 1/3 innings.
A strong finish to the 2023 season put Fisher in contention for a starting spot, which he ultimately won. Nerves set in rather quickly as 2024 began. The closest he came to a quality start was a five-inning performance against Columbia where he only gave up two runs. He gave up four or more runs in four of his first six starts, though
“I felt like there was a certain point during the fall that Cade kind of felt very comfortable being part of the group and kind of blending in,” O’Sullivan said in February. “I was just frank and honest with him, ‘Hey man, if you’re going to be a Friday night starter, you’ve got to be different. You’ve got to carry yourself different, your work ethic has got to be different, you gotta be a leader. Everything has got to be a little bit sharper.'”
Fisher wasn’t able to find that extra sharpness as a starter the same way he did out of the bullpen as a freshman. By the time he was moved back into a relief role, his ERA was beyond repair. He ended the year with a 7.13 ERA in 59 1/3 innings.
Fisher’s transfer came as a surprise to many, but it makes sense with new arms coming in through the transfer portal in addition to a freshman class loaded with pitchers. Left-handers with plus stuff are among the most valuable assets for roster-building coaches scouring the transfer portal, and Fisher had success at the highest level of college ball.
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