The Florida Gators baseball program has officially added right-handed pitcher Zach Edwards to its roster through the collegiate transfer portal. The acquisition, confirmed by Baseball America’s Jacob Rudner on June 20, marks another significant move for Gainesville as it seeks to rebuild and strengthen its pitching staff following a period of substantial turnover.
Edwards’ Collegiate Statistics
A rising junior from Riverton, Utah, Edwards brings physical presence and velocity to the Gators' bullpen. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, he has accumulated 44 1/3 innings across 34 appearances during his two-year career at Oregon State University. All of these outings came in relief roles.
Over that span, Edwards posted a 5.68 earned run average (ERA) while holding opponents to a .231 batting average against. His performance included striking out 59 batters compared to 20 walks allowed. He surrendered 39 hits, including three home runs, alongside nine wild pitches and three hit batters.
Performance Breakdown by Season
In his freshman season in 2025, Edwards appeared in 16 games with a record of one win and no losses. He recorded one save over 18 2/3 innings, striking out 22 batters against nine walks while allowing a .239 batting average to opposing hitters.
During his sophomore campaign, he made 18 appearances, securing two saves with an ERA of 5.61 in 25 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 37 batters and walked 11 others during that stretch. According to reporting on his mechanics, Edwards sits at 95-96 mph with a fastball that can reach up to 99 mph, complemented by a cutter.
Coaching Connection and Roster Shifts
The signing aligns Edwards with newly hired Florida pitching coach Rich Dorman. Both players are following Dorman from Corvallis, Oregon, where he previously coached at Oregon State. Joining Edwards in this transition is southpaw Trey Morris, who also transferred from the Beavers.
This addition occurs during a period of significant roster movement for the Gators. Seven Florida arms 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 has committed to LSU.
Recent Transfer Activity
The Gators have been active in recruiting transfers since the start of June. On June 4, they secured their first commitment from former Florida Gulf Coast University catcher Jon Embury, named the 2026 ASUN Player of the Year. This was followed by commitments from Jacksonville State right-hander Maddox McDougall on June 9 and Utah State infielder Kyle McDaniel on June 16.
Additionally, FAU infielder John Martinez announced his return to Gainesville on June 18. The acquisition of Edwards adds depth to the bullpen as Florida navigates these changes under its new coaching leadership.
