Florida baseball received its sixth transfer portal commitment of the offseason on Friday morning, as Clemson RHP Billy Barlow committed to the Gators. Barlow had visited campus earlier in the week.
“Let’s work,” Barlow wrote on Twitter (X).
Barlow had a 6-1 record in 15 appearances, including 10 starts, in 2024, largely acting as Clemson’s midweek starter but also throwing in the bullpen on weekends. The 6’2, 215-pound right-hander had a 4.48 ERA in 48.1 innings and kept opponents to a.259 batting average. In 48.1 innings of pitching, Barlow struck out 42 and walked 20.
As a true freshman in 2022, the North Myrtle Beach High School alum and South Carolina native played a significant role for the Tigers. Initially serving as a midweek pitcher, he eventually transitioned to the weekend rotation later in the season. Over 17 appearances, including 15 starts, Barlow posted a 4.84 ERA, striking out 57 and walking 22 in 57.2 innings. He conceded only five home runs, one triple, and eight doubles in those innings.
His impressive freshman season caught MLB scouts’ attention, earning him a spot on the radar for his sophomore year. Preseason rankings by D1Baseball listed him as the No. 112 starting pitcher nationally and the No. 35 ACC prospect for the 2024 draft. However, Barlow’s 2023 season was cut short due to injury, resulting in a medical redshirt after just three appearances.
Barlow is Florida’s second pitcher addition this offseason, following SoCon Pitcher of the Year Michael Ross, who is draft-eligible and considering a move to the majors. Barlow, also draft-eligible, has two years of eligibility remaining.
Some may recall Barlow’s appearance against Florida in the dramatic 13-inning game during Clemson’s Super Regional, where he pitched 0.2 innings, struck out one, and allowed no runs or hits while walking two batters.
For the upcoming season, I anticipate Barlow will contribute to Florida’s bullpen on weekends or possibly continue as a midweek starter, a role he has frequently filled during his college career.
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