Ethan Surowiec, the Florida Gators' cleanup hitter, revealed on social media that he will be back for the upcoming season, a decision made just days after the 2026 MLB Draft concluded.
During his lone season in Gainesville, Surowiec started every game, finishing with a .317 batting average, 14 doubles, 12 home runs and 63 RBIs, numbers that helped the team clinch a strong SEC tournament run.
The sophomore’s performance earned him a spot among the top 250 prospects at the Draft combine and a place on the Florida Victorious roster, the university’s official collegiate summer league affiliate.
Having transferred from Ole Miss earlier in the year, Surowiec quickly adapted to the Gators’ system, a move that contributed to his rapid rise and the moniker of ‘cleanup hitter’ in the lineup.
His breakout summer in the Northwoods League saw him capture the MVP award, posting 24 doubles and 52 RBIs, a testament to his power and consistency.
The highlight of his collegiate campaign came in the SEC tournament, where he went 4‑for‑5 with a home run, two doubles and three RBIs, a performance that underscored his clutch ability.
Looking Ahead
With three years of eligibility remaining under the NCAA’s five‑for‑five rule, Surowiec is poised to become a cornerstone for Florida’s future successes, bringing a blend of contact hitting and power that could reshape the team’s offensive outlook.