Breaking News: Florida Gators loses another key star to transfer portal

Gator Country discovered on Tuesday that Florida outfielder Michael Robertson had entered the transfer portal.

Robertson had 104 starts over his three seasons at Gainesville, the most of which were in center field. The Venice, Florida native is draft eligible, with two years remaining.

Robertson batted.254 in 2024, but he began to come alive in the final month of the season, hitting 18-51 (.327) at the plate in the final 15 games, including four multi-hit postseason games.

“I think I’ve been uneven this year, but I’m starting to feel better here. During his hot streak, Robertson remarked, “I’m just doing everything I can to have quality at bats, turn the lineup over, and help us win.”

Robertson, who hit out of the nine-hole for the bulk of the season, was responsible for turning the lineup over for the top of the Gators’ order. However, against Clemson in game two of the Super Regionals, Robertson concluded the game by smashing a 1-0 middle-middle sinker into the left center field gap with the bases loaded, plating two runs and sending the Florida Gators back to the College World Series in walk-off fashion.

 

Florida Gators Baseball Loses Key Player to Transfer Portal
Michael Robertson

 

“I was overjoyed for him to have that opportunity, and he clearly had a tremendous at-bat, leaving on left and staying on it. “Obviously, I was very happy for him,” said head coach Kevin O’Sullivan following Robertson’s walk-off double.

“That’s just Mikey,” Jac Caglianone explained.

This wasn’t the only pivotal postseason play Robertson made throughout his Gators career. Robertson joined the College World Series game in center field as a defensive substitution with the team up 3-2 over TCU. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Robertson soared through the air to record the game’s final out before colliding with the center field fence, advancing Florida to the College World Series.

“The catch he made last year was one I’ll never forget, obviously,” O’Sullivan remarked, reflecting on Robertson’s career.

After not playing in any games in 2022, Robertson started the 2023 season as Florida’s starting centerfielder. Robertson would go on to hit.231 in 66 starts but was eventually benched and only used as a defensive replacement in the postseason. In 2023, Robertson had 0-27 and 1-34 plate appearances.

Robertson might choose to pursue his talents at the professional level or continue his college career with two years of eligibility remaining.

 

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