The biggest surprise of Florida’s tremendous 2023 college baseball campaign has undoubtedly been the rise of shortstop Josh Rivera, who was pegged to be in the pros around this time last year.
Opting to return for a fourth season in Gainesville might have been the best decision of Rivera’s career so far. He’s hitting for both average (.402) and power (11 home runs), and is still just as slick with the glove as he’s always been. Oh yeah, he’s swiped eight bases too, which is on the higher end for college shortstops so far this season.
Another big improvement in Rivera’s game has been his eye. He’s walked 17 times this season, four more times than he’s struck out. MLB scouts are always looking for guys who get on base often, and limiting strikeouts is always a plus for a power hitter.
Rivera had transformed his draft stock in just about 100 at-bats. He’s now one of the top college shortstops in the upcoming draft class, ranked second on the year by D1Baseball behind projected top-five pick Jacob Wilson (Grand Canyon) and ahead of first-round talent Jacob Gonzalez (Ole Miss).
Rivera could very well hear his name called in the first few rounds of the draft over the summer, but he still has to finish out this campaign strong. If Rivera can maintain these numbers through April and into May, he’ll have a really good chance to finish the season as a top-three player at the position.
More Baseball!
Florida two-way star Jac Caglianone ranked nation’s top 1B
Series Preview: Florida looking to stay hot in SEC play against Auburn
Behind Enemy Lines: Talking Gators vs. Tigers with Auburn Wire
Florida baseball stays steady in Week 6 of USA TODAY Coaches Poll
Florida baseball among top 5 in 5 different national polls for Week 6
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Story originally appeared on Gators Wire