The University of Florida announced that Jon Embury, the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year, has committed to the Gators for the upcoming season.
His addition comes at a pivotal moment, as the program lost both of its senior catchers during the offseason, creating a gap that the coaching staff has moved quickly to fill.
During his most recent campaign at Florida Gulf Coast University, Embury posted a .364 batting average, hit 17 home runs and drove in 60 runs, while also stealing 55.6 percent of opposing baserunners and maintaining a .993 fielding percentage behind the plate.
The catcher’s performance earned him a spot on the All‑ASUN First Team and a finalist nomination for the prestigious Buster Posey Award, recognizing the nation’s top collegiate catcher.
Baseball America’s rankings placed Embury at No. 16 among all transfer players in the portal, and analysts have labeled him a top‑100 prospect for the 2027 MLB Draft.
A Boost for the Gators' Future
Coach Kevin O’Sullivan expressed enthusiasm about the new addition, noting that Embury’s blend of offensive power and defensive reliability aligns perfectly with the team’s strategic goals. The coaching staff believes the catcher will not only stabilize the lineup but also mentor younger players as they develop.
The move also underscores the Gators’ continued focus on recruiting top talent from within the state, reinforcing their reputation as a pipeline for professional‑ready athletes. With the new catcher in place, the team looks poised to compete strongly in the SEC and to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.