When Florida’s season came to an end in the regionals against Oklahoma, few took it harder than [autotag]Brandon Sproat[/autotag]. Many assumed it would be the final time they’d see Sproat in a Gators uniform, but now he’s set to return for his junior year at Florida.
The New York Mets selected Sproat in the third round of the 2022 MLB draft with the 90th overall pick but the two sides could not come to terms on a deal, according to Jim Callis of MLB.com. Sproat was drafted out of high school in the seventh round and was also the highest unsigned pick in the 2019 draft.
Aside from wanting to prove himself in a Gators uniform, the money really didn’t work out for Sproat. The Mets could spend just under $900,000 to sign Sproat without giving up a first-round pick in next year’s draft, and many peg the hard-throwing righty as a potential first-round talent if he can find a little more consistency.
For comparison, [autotag]Hunter Barco[/autotag], who was selected in the second round at No. 44 overall, signed an under-slot deal for $1.53 million with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Barco was also considered a first-round talent before his Tommy John surgery, so Sproat’s floor (barring some massive regression) looks to be around what Barco got while on the mend.
3rd-rder Brandon Sproat did not come to terms with @Mets. His slot value at No. 90 was $691,300. @GatorsBB RHP, 7 ER in final 6 GS with fastball touching 99 mph & slider reaching 91. Also was highest unsigned pick in 2019 @MLBDraft (7th rd, Rangers). pic.twitter.com/rR5oa3nIEd
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) August 1, 2022
The Gators added Southern Miss starter [autotag]Hurston Waldrep[/autotag] through the transfer portal over the offseason, so he and Sproat can fight it out for the Friday night slot as UF’s top two arms. [autotag]Pierce Coppola[/autotag], whose season ended early with a back injury, should be the No. 3 guy and there are plenty of arms to test out during the week.
Sproat’s return also gives the Gators a trio of players that could go in the first tow round of next year’s draft. Along with Sproat and Waldrep, Florida has outfielder [autotag]Wyatt Langford[/autotag], who is considered one of the top college prospects in the class.
It’s still half a year away, but Florida baseball in 2023 has a chance to be something special, especially with the team ace back in tow.
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