Josh Rivera went to the Cubs in the third round while Philip Abner was drafted by Arizona in the sixth.
Cubs Snag Rivera in Third Round
Four-year Florida infielder Josh Rivera<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-rivera/15504> was drafted by the Chicago Cubs with the 81st overall pick in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft on Monday.
The selection marks the second of Rivera’s career (22nd round by San Diego in 2019) on the heels of an All-American campaign that also saw him named First Team All-SEC and a Brooks Wallace Award Finalist. The Avon Park, Fla. native is the fourth Gator to be drafted in 2023, following Wyatt Langford<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/wyatt-langford/15497> (fourth overall to Texas), Hurston Waldrep<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/hurston-waldrep/15517> (24th to Atlanta) and Brandon Sproat<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/brandon-sproat/15508> (56th to New York).
Rivera is the fifth-highest UF shortstop to be taken in the MLB Draft and the top choice since Brady McConnell went to Kansas City with the 44th pick in 2019. As the 218th individual draftee in Florida baseball history, his selection represents the 103rd of the Kevin O’Sullivan era.
Rivera set career highs in virtually every offensive category this past season, slashing .348/.447/.617 with 19 home runs – a program record for a Gators middle infielder. He finished with 72 RBI and 70 runs scored while drawing more walks (46) than strikeouts (35) and swiping a team-best 18 bags. Rivera also performed as one of the nation’s top defensive shortstops, producing a .965 fielding percentage and 27 double plays across 254 defensive chances.
Across four campaigns in Gator Country, Rivera posted a .290/.382/.486 batting line. He racked up 211 career hits across 204 games including 201 starts while totaling 35 homers, 29 doubles, 153 runs, 139 RBI and 24 steals.
What They’re Saying About Rivera
MLB Pipeline
“For his first three seasons at Florida (the first cut short by the pandemic), Rivera didn’t produce much, if at all, offensively, and dealt with arm issues in 2022. This year, though, he’s been healthy and shown he can impact the ball a lot more effectively. He’s not necessarily a pure hitter, with a bit of an unbalanced setup at the plate, but he’s been barreling up the ball all spring, with an advanced approach that has led to very few strikeouts and a healthy walk rate. All of that has enabled him tap into his raw power consistently. While he isn’t overly rangy, scouts do think Rivera has the chance to stick at shortstop. He’s good to his glove side and will make the everyday play consistently, but he won’t be flashy. Some think that, plus his arm being a little short, might make him a better fit for second base or perhaps a super-utility role. But his big step forward with the bat has made him one of the higher-profile seniors in the class.”
Baseball America
“The 6-foot-2, 215-pound righthanded hitter has plenty of bat speed, showed all-fields power and also hammered 92-plus mph fastball velocity this spring, to the tune of a .422/.513/.656 line. It’s a big and aggressive swing with plenty of length to the bat path, but Rivera has shown a solid ability to manipulate the barrel to all parts of the zone—and he’s had success expanding it at times as well. He might need to become more selective at the next level, but his improved walk and strikeouts rates this spring offer some encouragement about his approach. Despite a long finish, Rivera gets out of the box well and runs hard down the line, turning in above-average or plus home-to-first times, though he might be more of an average runner overall. He has solid defensive actions and arm strength at shortstop, with a chance to stick at the position, though third base or second could be a landing spot in pro ball as well.”
Abner Goes in Sixth Round to D’Backs
Florida Gators left-handed pitcher Philip Abner<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/philip-abner/15488> was chosen by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 175th pick of the sixth round in the 2023 MLB Draft on TMonday.
With the selection, Abner is the fifth UF player to have his name called in the MLB Draft this July behind Wyatt Langford<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/wyatt-langford/15497> (fourth overall to Texas), Hurston Waldrep<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/hurston-waldrep/15517> (24th to Atlanta), Brandon Sproat<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/brandon-sproat/15508> (56th to New York) and Josh Rivera<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-rivera/15504> (81st to Chicago).
Having never previously been drafted, Abner becomes the 104th player to be taken in the MLB Draft under Head Coach Kevin O’Sullivan including the 219th in program history.
Abner enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023, pitching to a 3-0 record, 3.16 ERA, and .220 batting average against across 25 relief appearances. The southpaw totaled 31 1/3 innings and struck out 51 batters against 19 strikeouts.
Running List of Florida’s 2023 MLB Draft Picks (5)
OF Wyatt Langford<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/wyatt-langford/15497> – Round 1, Pick 4 (Texas Rangers)
RHP Hurston Waldrep<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/hurston-waldrep/15517> – Round 1, Pick 24 (Atlanta Braves)
RHP Brandon Sproat<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/brandon-sproat/15508> – Round 2, Pick 56 (New York Mets)
SS Josh Rivera<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-rivera/15504> – Round 3, Pick 81 (Chicago Cubs)
LHP Philip Abner<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/philip-abner/15488> – Round 6, Pick 175 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Florida’s MLB Draft History
Highest Drafted Shortstops in Program History
1. 2015: Richie Martin – Round 1, Pick 20 (Oakland Athletics)
T2. 2019: Brady McConnell – Round 2, Pick 44 (Kansas City Royals)
T2. 1968: Richard Trapp – Round 3, Pick 44 (New York Yankees)
4. 2012: Nolan Fontana – Round 2, Pick 61 (Houston Astros)
5. 2023: SS Josh Rivera<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-rivera/15504> – Round 3, Pick 81 (Chicago Cubs)
T6. 2006: Adam Davis – Round 3, Pick 101 (Cleveland Indians)
T6. 1977: Roger Holt – Round 4, Pick 101 (New York Yankees)
8. 2017: Dalton Guthrie – Round 6, Pick 173 (Philadelphia Phillies)
9. 2008: Cole Figueroa – Round 6, Pick 195 (San Diego Padres)
10. 1981: Steve Lombardozzi – Round 9, Pick 218 (Minnesota Twins)
11. 1999: Mark Ellis – Round 9, Pick 271 (Kansas City Royals)
12. 2018: Deacon Liput – Round 10, Pick 314 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
13. 1983: Bruce Crabbe – Round 14, Pick 351 (Cleveland Indians)
14. 1988: Julio Mendez – Round 18, Pick 470 (St. Louis Cardinals)
15. 1984: Bruce Crabbe – Round 19, Pick 473 (Chicago Cubs)
1983: Robby Thompson – Round 1, Pick 2 (San Francisco Giants) *Secondary Phase*
1969: Richard Trapp – Round 12, Pick 3 (Kansas City Royals) *Secondary Phase*
All Draft Picks Under Kevin O’Sullivan (104)
2023: LHP Philip Abner<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/philip-abner/15488> – Round 6, Pick 175 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
2023: SS Josh Rivera<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-rivera/15504> – Round 3, Pick 81 (Chicago Cubs)
2023: RHP Brandon Sproat<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/brandon-sproat/15508> – Round 2, Pick 56 (New York Mets)
2023: RHP Hurston Waldrep<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/hurston-waldrep/15517> – Round 1, Pick 24 (Atlanta Braves)
2023: OF Wyatt Langford<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/wyatt-langford/15497> – Round 1, Pick 4 (Texas Rangers)
2022: OF Sterlin Thompson<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/sterlin-thompson/15108> – Round 1, Pick 31 (Colorado Rockies)
2022: LHP Hunter Barco<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/hunter-barco/15091> – Round 2, Pick 44 (Pittsburgh Pirates)
2022: OF Jud Fabian<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/jud-fabian/15127> – Round 2, Pick 67 (Baltimore Orioles)
2022: RHP Brandon Sproat<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/brandon-sproat/15508> – Round 3, Pick 90 (New York Mets)
2021: OF <https://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14217> Jud Fabian<https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball/roster/jud-fabian/15127> – Round 2, Pick 40 (Boston Red Sox)
2021: RHP Tommy Mace<https://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14223> – Round 2, Pick 69 (Cleveland Indians)
2021: C Nathan Hickey<https://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14220> – Round 5, Pick 136 (Boston Red Sox)
2021: RHP Christian Scott<https://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14231> – Round 5, Pick 142 (New York Mets)
2021: OF Jacob Young<https://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14236> – Round 7, Pick 203 (Washington Nationals)
2021: RHP Jack Leftwich<https://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14221> – Round 7, Pick 216 (Cleveland Indians)
2021: RHP Franco Aleman<https://floridagators.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=14238> – Round 10, Pick 306 (Cleveland Indians)
2019: SS Brady McConnell – Round 2, Pick 44 (Kansas City Royals)
2019: RHP Tyler Dyson – Round 5, Pick 153 (Washington Nationals)
2019: OF Wil Dalton – Round 8, Pick 257 (Boston Red Sox)
2019: OF Nelson Maldonado – Round 21, Pick 642 (Chicago Cubs)
2018: 3B Jonathan India – Round 1, Pick 5 (Cincinnati Reds)
2018: RHP Brady Singer – Round 1, Pick 18 (Kansas City Royals)
2018: RHP Jackson Kowar – Round 1, Pick 33 (Kansas City Royals)
2018: C JJ Schwarz – Round 8, Pick 233 (Oakland Athletics)
2018: SS Deacon Liput – Round 10, Pick 314 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
2018: RHP Michael Byrne – Round 14, Pick 409 (Cincinnati Reds)
2018: OF/LHP Nick Horvath – Round 25, Pick 745 (Baltimore Orioles)
2017: RHP Alex Faedo – Round 1, Pick 18 (Detroit Tigers)
2017: SS Dalton Guthrie – Round 6, Pick 173 (Philadelphia Phillies)
2017: C Mike Rivera – Round 6, Pick 192 (Cleveland Indians)
2017: C Mark Kolozsvary – Round 7, Pick 197 (Cincinnati Reds)
2017: RHP David Lee – Round 27, Pick 808 (Pittsburgh Pirates)
2017: RHP Frank Rubio – Round 29, Pick 876 (San Francisco Giants)
2017: 2B Deacon Liput – Round 29, Pick 880 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
2017: C JJ Schwarz – Round 38, Pick 1129 (Tampa Bay Rays)
2016: LHP A.J. Puk – Round 1, Pick 6 (Oakland Athletics)
2016: RHP Dane Dunning – Round 1, Pick 29 (Washington Nationals)
2016: RHP Logan Shore – Round 2, Pick 47 (Oakland Athletics)
2016: OF Buddy Reed – Round 2, Pick 48 (San Diego Padres)
2016: 1B Pete Alonso – Round 2, Pick 64 (New York Mets)
2016: RHP Shaun Anderson – Round 3, Pick 88 (Boston Red Sox)
2016: LHP Scott Moss – Round 4, Pick 108 (Cincinnati Reds)
2016: LHP Kirby Snead – Round 10, Pick 312 (Toronto Blue Jays)
2015: SS Richie Martin – Round 1, Pick 20 (Oakland Athletics)
2015: OF Harrison Bader – Round 3, Pick 100 (St. Louis Cardinals)
2015: RHP Eric Hanhold – Round 6, Pick 181 (Milwaukee Brewers)
2015: LHP Danny Young – Round 8, Pick 242 (Toronto Blue Jays)
2015: RHP Taylor Lewis – Round 9, Pick 270 (Atlanta Braves)
2015: 3B Josh Tobias – Round 10, Pick 294 (Philadelphia Phillies)
2015: LHP Bobby Poyner – Round 14, Pick 411 (Boston Red Sox)
2015: RHP Mike Vinson – Round 24, Pick 730 (Detroit Tigers)
2015: RHP Aaron Rhodes – Round 28, Pick 855 (Los Angeles Angels)
2014: C Taylor Gushue – Round 4, Pick 131 (Pittsburgh Pirates)
2014: RHP Justin Shafer – Round 8, Pick 234 (Toronto Blue Jays)
2014: RHP Karsten Whitson – Round 11, Pick 344 (Boston Red Sox)
2014: 2B Casey Turgeon – Round 24, Pick 735 (St. Louis Cardinals)
2014: RHP Ryan Harris – Round 26, Pick 794 (Boston Red Sox)
2014: RHP Keenan Kish – Round 34, Pick 1025 (Cincinnati Reds)
2013: RHP Jonathon Crawford – Round 1, Pick 20 (Detroit Tigers)
2013: LHP Daniel Gibson – Round 7, Pick 210 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
2013: OF Taylor Ratliff – Round 13, Pick 390 (Arizona Diamondbacks)
2013: RHP Johnny Magliozzi – Round 17, Pick 506 (New York Mets)
2013: SS Cody Dent – Round 22, Pick 676 (Washington Nationals)
2013: OF Jeff Driskel – Round 29, Pick 863 (Boston Red Sox)
2013: RHP Karsten Whitson – Round 37, Pick 1126 (Washington Nationals)
2012: C Mike Zunino – Round 1, Pick 3 (Seattle Mariners)
2012: LHP/1B Brian Johnson – Round 1, Pick 31 (Boston Red Sox)
2012: SS Nolan Fontana – Round 2, Pick 61 (Houston Astros)
2012: LHP Steven (Paco) Rodriguez – Round 2, Pick 82 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
2012: RHP Austin Maddox – Round 3, Pick 118 (Boston Red Sox)
2012: OF Preston Tucker – Round 7, Pick 219 (Houston Astros)
2012: RHP Hudson Randall – Round 7, Pick 244 (Detroit Tigers)
2012: OF Daniel Pigott – Round 9, Pick 292 (Cincinnati Reds)
2012: RHP Greg Larson – Round 20, Pick 631 (Boston Red Sox)
2011: LHP Nick Maronde – Round 3, Pick 104 (Los Angeles Angels)
2011: RHP Anthony DeSclafani – Round 6, Pick 199 (Toronto Blue Jays)
2011: RHP Alex Panteliodis – Round 9, Pick 282 (New York Mets)
2011: RHP Tommy Toledo – Round 11, Pick 341 (Milwaukee Brewers)
2011: 2B Josh Adams – Round 13, Pick 403 (Florida Marlins)
2011: 1B/OF Preston Tucker – Round 16, Pick 498 (Colorado Rockies)
2011: C Ben McMahan – Round 23, Pick 701 (Milwaukee Brewers)
2011: RHP Matt Campbell – Round 24, Pick 751 (Philadelphia Phillies)
2011: RHP Greg Larson – Round 29, Pick 885 (Los Angeles Angels)
2011: OF Bryson Smith – Round 34, Pick 1045 (Cincinnati Reds)
2011: OF Tyler Thompson – Round 46, Pick 1387 (Washington Nationals)
2010: LHP Kevin Chapman – Round 4, Pick 119 (Kansas City Royals)
2010: OF Matt den Dekker – Round 5, Pick 152 (New York Mets)
2010: RHP Tommy Toledo – Round 32, Pick 975 (Minnesota Twins)
2010: C Hampton Tignor – Round 36, Pick 1104 (Los Angeles Angels)
2010: RHP Justin Poovey – Round 41, Pick 1254 (Los Angeles Angels)
2010: RHP Matt Campbell – Round 43, Pick 1297 (Cincinnati Reds)
2009: RHP Billy Bullock – Round 2, Pick 70 (Minnesota Twins)
2009: OF Avery Barnes – Round 11, Pick 331 (Colorado Rockies)
2009: LHP Tony Davis – Round 12, Pick 372 (Minnesota Twins)
2009: OF Matt den Dekker – Round 16, Pick 475 (Pittsburgh Pirates)
2009: RHP Patrick Keating – Round 20, Pick 602 (Kansas City Royals)
2009: C Buddy Munroe – Round 22, Pick 672 (Minnesota Twins)
2009: LHP Stephen Locke – Round 22, Pick 681 (Los Angeles Angels)
2009: SS Mike Mooney – Round 23, Pick 686 (Baltimore Orioles)
2009: OF Riley Cooper – Round 25, Pick 754 (Texas Rangers)
2009: LHP Kevin Chapman – Round 50, Pick 1513 (Chicago White Sox)
2008: SS Cole Figueroa – Round 6, Pick 195 (San Diego Padres)
2008: OF Avery Barnes – Round 40, Pick 1201 (Washington Nationals)
2008: RHP Josh Edmondson – Round 41, Pick 1249 (Los Angeles Angels)
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