Colby Shelton Leads Gators in MLB Draft as Three Star Players Selected

Alachua County, USA - The 2025 MLB Draft has proven to be a significant event for the University of Florida baseball program, especially with the selection of junior shortstop Colby Shelton by the Chicago White Sox. Drafted with the 166th overall pick in the sixth round, Shelton is already making headlines as the first Gator selected in this year’s draft and the eighth-highest drafted shortstop in the program’s history. He is also the 111th draftee under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, who has seen a remarkable 113 players take their talents to the professional level during his tenure at Florida.

Previously, Shelton was chosen by the Washington Nationals in the 20th round of the 2024 MLB Draft but opted to return to Florida for his junior year. His decision seems to have paid off; during this season, he showcased his skills by hitting .377 with an impressive .606 slugging percentage, accumulating seven home runs and 40 runs before suffering a season-ending hamate injury early in the Arkansas series. In total, over his two seasons with the Gators, he boasted a batting average of .304 with 131 hits and 27 home runs, as reported by Main Street Daily News.

Stats That Speak Volumes

Not only did Shelton’s offensive performance earn him a spot among the top picks, but his defensive capabilities also stood out. In his sophomore season, he notched a .974 fielding percentage, contributing to 163 assists and 26 double plays. He started all 66 games as the Gators pushed towards the College World Series Final Four, hitting 20 home runs. His impressive numbers have solidified his place as one of the program’s standout shortstops, as documented by Gator Country.

However, there is speculation about Shelton’s long-term position at the professional level due to concerns about his range and athleticism at shortstop. Analysts suggest he may transition to an offensive-minded second baseman, taking advantage of his ability to connect with both right- and left-handed pitching. His capacity to deliver hits consistently and find gaps gives him a versatile edge that teams value.

A Bright Future Ahead

Alongside Shelton, two other Gators also heard their names called during the draft. Right-handed pitcher Jake Clemente was picked 198th overall by the Miami Marlins, while left-handed pitcher Pierce Coppola went 211th overall to the Chicago Cubs. This marks the first career draft selection for both pitchers, showcasing the depth of talent in this year’s Gators squad. Clemente, who had a standout season with a 1.33 ERA, and Coppola, noted for his astounding strikeouts per nine innings ratio, add to the bright outlook for the Gators as they transition to the professional ranks.

The White Sox might be struggling this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the American League Central with a record of 32-65, but their farm system is ranked sixth in Major League Baseball, according to The Alligator. This presents Shelton with an exciting opportunity to be part of a rebuilding phase that could benefit from fresh talent like his.

As Colby Shelton embarks on this new chapter, the Gators community and fans are eager to see how he will translate his college success into a rewarding professional career. It’s clear that his time on the field has been nothing short of remarkable, and the best may yet be ahead for this talented young player.