The Gators’ all-time saves leader is joining the UF dugout as he rehabs from injury this spring.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida baseball program is bringing back its all-time saves leader for the 2025 season, with Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/kevin-o-sullivan/1999> announcing the addition of right-handed pitcher Michael Byrne<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/michael-byrne/10706> as a student assistant coach.
“We are thrilled to bring Michael back to the Gators as part of our coaching staff for the 2025 season,” O’Sullivan said. “Michael bolsters our staff by providing yet another experienced resource for our developing young pitchers. He has been a part of a National Championship roster and knows what it takes to excel at the very highest level of our game.”
Although his professional playing career is ongoing, Byrne will work primarily with the pitchers as he rehabs from injury after electing free agency in November.
“I am both honored and excited to be back in Orange & Blue in this new role,” Byrne said. “Thank you to Sully for the opportunity to be a part of the staff, and I am looking forward to adding value to the organization in any way I can, both on and off the field.”
Helping the Gators to a 2017 College World Series Championship and a trio of Omaha trips across his three-year UF tenure (2016-18), Byrne holds the program records for career saves (35) and saves in a season (19). After being named the 2018 NCBWA Stopper of the Year and First Team All-American as a junior, Byrne was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 14th round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Since beginning his professional journey, the Orlando, Fla. native pitched parts of six seasons in the Cincinnati organization. Having advanced to the Triple-A level, Byrne owns a 19-15 record, 3.62 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 261 1/3 innings. Working primarily as a reliever in the Reds system, he made 174 appearances (10 starts) while fanning 9.2 batters per nine and issuing 3.3 walks per nine.
As a Gator, Byrne solidified himself one of the highest-performing relievers in the history of the program. The righty produced sub-2.00 ERAs in each of his final two campaigns, culminating with a 1.88 career ERA, 2.13 batting average against and 172 strikeouts across 88 outings spanning 153 frames. Showing unparalleled control, Byrne allowed just 23 free passes in his career for a remarkable 1.35 walks per nine.
In addition to the aforementioned accolades, Byrne was a 2018 Dick Howser Trophy Finalist and South All-Region recipient. He previously attended Olympia High School where he played for Head Coach Chuck Schall and was the 2015 Class 8A Player of the Year.
Florida opens the 2025 regular season<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/schedule> at home on Friday, Feb. 14 vs. Air Force at 6:30 p.m., hosting the Falcons for a three-game series (Feb. 14-16) for the first time in program history. Season tickets<https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/virtual-venue/QlMyNQ==?utm_source=WEB&utm_medium=STORY&utm_campaign=BASE-SEASON&camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_STORY_BASE-SEASON> and SEC Five-Pack Mini-Plans<https://am.ticketmaster.com/gators/en/buy/flexplan/10312?utm_source=WEB&utm_medium=STORY&utm_campaign=BASE-MINI&camefrom=CFC_GATORS_WEB_STORY_BASE-MINI> are currently on sale now in addition to single-game tickets<https://www.ticketmaster.com/florida-gators-baseball-tickets/artist/1294070>.
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