Florida has gained another transfer from the junior college ranks after left-handed pitcher Mason Laurito committed to the Gators. Laurito’s pledge is Florida’s seventh transfer of the summer and third pitcher.
“Excited to announce that I’ll be continuing my baseball career at the University of Florida,” Laurito stated in a social media post.
Laurito committed to Gulf Coast State College as a member of the 2023 recruiting class, where he was ranked No. 23 among left-handed pitchers in Florida. He attended Forest High School in Ocala, Florida.
Laurito pitched to a 2-1 record with a team low 3.34 ERA in 11 starts as a true freshman. In 32.1 innings pitched, Laurito struck out 42 batters and walked 29, with a WHIP of 1.61. Laurito possesses a decent three-pitch mix that includes a fastball in the low 90s, a changeup, and a sweeping slider that may cause swing and misses.
Laurito is difficult to hit when he throws strikes, with a.193 batting average against in year one, demonstrating his ability to make weak contact. Laurito’s command will need to improve after walking 29 batters and hitting another 12 in 32.1 innings. That works out to 1.26 free passes each inning on average.
Florida was eager to add a left-handed pitcher to its transfer class after losing LHPs Cade Fisher and Robert Satin this offseason. Laurito has the potential to join the Gators’ bullpen as early as 2025, but the transfer pitcher has three years of eligibility remaining and is draft eligible in two.
Laurito joins Clemson’s Billy Barlow and Sante Fe’s Matthew Jenkins as transfer pitchers this offseason.
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