Gators baseball earns commitment from JUCO southpaw hurler

The Florida baseball program added some much-needed depth to its pitching staff on Monday with a commitment from left-handed hurler Mason Laurito out of Panama City (Florida) Gulf Coast State College.

The 6-foot, 170-pound prospect originally from Ocala, Florida, spent his first collegiate season in the JUCO ranks hoping for a golden opportunity and the Gators delivered.

“Excited to announce I’ll be continuing my baseball career at the University of Florida,” Laurito posted on his personal Twitter account.

“It means a lot to me that they really needed me,” Laurito told Swamp247. “I can step into some big roles and come through for the team. Maybe that’s pitching against Florida State in a midweek game, which would be incredible. I could be pitching against freakin’ Arkansas on a Friday night. It’s just very exciting.”

Laurito recorded a 2-1 record in 2023 with his JUCO team, posting a team-best 3.34 ERA in 11 starts stretching across 32 1/3 innings. He struck out 42 batters and walked 29; however, his 1.61 WHIP last year is a bit of a concern

His pitch repertoire features a solid three-pitch mix, headlined by a fastball in the low 90s, plus a changeup and at least one breaking pitch which combined has proven to be a fairly effective arsenal.

The addition of Laurito helps to address the departures of southpaws Cade Fisher and Robert Satin this offseason.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.