Florida’s baseball program has secured a potent arm from the transfer portal in Zach Edwards, a right‑hander who spent the last two seasons at Oregon State. Edwards arrives with a career earned‑run average of 5.68 and 59 strikeouts across 44 ⅓ innings, and he brings a mid‑90s fastball that can touch 99 mph along with a cutter that has produced a 60 percent whiff rate. Standing 6‑foot‑2 and weighing 230 pounds, the junior adds a physical presence to a pitching staff that is undergoing a major overhaul.
Strategic moves on the mound
The move is part of a broader reshaping of the rotation. Pitching coach Rich Dorman, who previously worked with Edwards at Oregon State, has brought his former pupil Trey Morris into the fold, creating a left‑right tandem that could anchor the staff. Both Dorman and Morris have already made the transition from Corvallis to Gainesville, underscoring the program’s intent to build continuity around proven talent.
Alongside Edwards, the Gators have added catcher Jon Embury, the 2026 ASUN Player of the Year, and infielder John Martinez, who previously wore the orange and blue before returning from Florida Atlantic. These position players complement a group that also welcomes infielder Kyle McDaniel and right‑hander Maddox McDougall, both of whom committed earlier this month.
The roster changes come amid a wave of departures. Seven Florida pitchers have entered the transfer portal, including McCall Biemiller, Eli Blair, Matthew Jenkins, Rivers Kurland, Cooper Moss, Christian Rodriguez and Cooper Walls. Starting second baseman Cade Kurland is headed to LSU, while utility players Kolt Myers and Blake Brookins have also opted to explore new opportunities.
Coach Dorman emphasized that the incoming class is designed to fill specific gaps rather than simply replace outgoing talent. By pairing Edwards’ high‑velocity repertoire with Morris’ left‑handed depth, the staff hopes to maintain competitiveness in the SEC while developing younger arms. The coaching staff also plans to integrate the new position players into everyday lineups, aiming for greater offensive flexibility.
Fans can expect a more aggressive approach on the mound this season, as the staff leans on a mix of proven veterans and high‑upside transfers. The blend of experience and fresh talent suggests that the Gators are positioning themselves to contend early in the schedule, even as the program navigates the inevitable uncertainties of the transfer market.