Florida bolstered its roster with another addition from the Junior College ranks as left-handed pitcher Mason Laurito committed to the Gators on Monday afternoon. Laurito’s pledge is Florida’s 7th transfer addition of the offseason and their third pitcher.
“I’m excited to announce I’ll be continuing my baseball career at the University of Florida,” Laurito shared in a social media post.
Originally from Forest High School in Ocala, Florida, Laurito joined Gulf Coast State College as part of the 2023 recruiting class, where he was ranked No. 23 among left-handed pitchers in Florida.
As a true freshman, Laurito posted a 2-1 record with a team-low 3.34 ERA in 11 starts. Over 32.1 innings, he struck out 42 batters and walked 29, holding a WHIP of 1.61. His pitching arsenal includes a fastball that typically sits in the low 90s, a changeup, and a sweeping slider that generates swings and misses.
Laurito proved difficult to hit when he threw strikes, posting a .193 batting average against in his first year, indicating his ability to induce weak contact. However, he needs to improve his command, as he walked 29 batters and hit an additional 12 in 32.1 innings, averaging 1.26 free passes per inning.
Florida sought a left-handed pitcher after the departures of LHPs Cade Fisher and Robert Satin this offseason. Laurito’s stuff could see him find a role in the Gators’ bullpen as early as 2025. He has three years of eligibility remaining and is draft eligible in two years.
Laurito joins Clemson’s Billy Barlow and Santa Fe’s Matthew Jenkins as part of Florida’s transfer pitching additions this offseason.
