Former UF Players Ready To Play On MLB Opening Day

The MLB season is officially here, and several former Florida Gators are set to impact Opening Day. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these players carry the UF legacy into the big leagues.

Pete Alonso Leads the Charge

Few former Gators have made as big of an impact in Major League Baseball as Pete Alonso. The slugging first baseman has been a cornerstone for the New York Mets since his debut in 2019. That year, he set the rookie home run record with 53 Home runs and won the National League Rookie of the Year award. Alonso followed that up with another strong campaign in 2024, crushing 34 home runs and driving in 88 RBIs.

Wyatt Langford’s Meteoric Rise

Wyatt Langford’s journey from Gainesville to the MLB has been remarkable. Drafted fifth overall by the Texas Rangers in 2023, Langford wasted no time making an impression. After good performances in the minors, the Rangers rewarded him by giving him a spot, where he has been playing regularly since.

Veterans and New Faces in the Big Leagues

Alongside Alonso and Langford, several other former Gators are ready to contribute on Opening Day. Harrison Bader, known for his defense and speed, will patrol the outfield for the Minnesota Twins after signing with them in the offseason. Meanwhile, Brady Singer moves to the Cincinnati Reds, looking to build off a solid 2024 campaign.

AJ Puk, a former first-round pick, remains a strong presence in the bullpen for the Arizona Diamondbacks. His ability to overpower hitters with his fastball-slider combo has made him a valuable late-inning weapon. Additionally, Dane Dunning, drafted in 2016, will be fighting for a spot in the Texas Rangers’ Bullpen until the end of Spring Training,

Gators’ latest gem: Jac Caglianone

Jac Caglianone hit 68 home runs in 137 games for the Florida Gators in his last two years there and soon he's going to hit a bunch for the Kansas City Royals too.pic.twitter.com/7AFtTKuhZw

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 24, 2025

As an honorable mention, The Kansas City Royals could see their top prospect at some point this year. Caglianone will primarily play first base at Double-A to start the 2025 season but may not be far away from making his Major League debut. In fact, if all goes according to plan, it may not be too big of a stretch to see him make it to the Major Leagues at some point in 2025.