Florida outfielder Ty Evans announces return to school for 2025

The Florida baseball team will get a significant piece back for the 2025 season, with outfielder Ty Evans announcing his return to school on the final day of the MLB Draft on Tuesday.

Evans posted a note on his Twitter account informing fans of his decision.

“Not done yet, Gator Nation,” he wrote.

The junior was putting together his best season at Florida before his year was cut short by injury late in the season. He crashed into the outfield wall trying to make a catch in a game against Kentucky and suffered a broken right wrist.

He did not play the rest of the season, even though Florida managed to extend its season quite a bit by advancing to the College World Series semifinals.

Ty Evans finished his junior season with a .316 batting average, hitting 13 home runs, 10 doubles and a triple while driving in 43 RBI. He had a .580 slugging percentage and a .406 on-base percentage.

Florida fares reasonably well in 2024 MLB Draft

Ty Evans likely isn’t the only impact player coming back for Florida baseball following the 2024 MLB Draft’s conclusion. A handful of others also seem likely to make it to or remain on campus.

That number includes former Alabama transfer Colby Shelton, who was drafted in the 20th and final round.

Shelton was solid in his first season in Gainesville, if a touch inconsistent. Still, he’s a huge piece to have back to build around. Shelton hit .254 with 20 home runs, 14 doubles and a triple, for a slugging percentage of .551 in his first season at Florida.

Florida infielder commit Brennan Lawson was also a late draftee, going in the 19th round, which virtually assures he will head to school.

Meanwhile, a pair of pitchers were selected in the 18th round — transfer righty Michael Ross and homegrown Florida righty Ryan Slater. Though it’s a little less certain both remain on campus, the late selections certainly help.

All in all a pretty good day for Florida baseball.