Florida baseball received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming season as head coach Kevin O’Sullivan announced that sophomore outfielder Hayden Yost has been fully cleared to return to action.
This news comes less than nine months after Yost suffered a torn ACL on May 15 last season, marking a remarkably swift recovery for the Tampa native.
“He (Yost) looks great,” O’Sullivan said on the “Chalk Talk” web broadcast. “He’s 100%. He’s swinging the bat as good as anybody right now and he ran down a ball during BP (batting practice) yesterday in right-center field. There was no hesitation in his stride so, he’s certainly ready to go.”
Yost’s injury last season was a significant blow to the Gators, as he was one of the team’s most promising players, known for his speed and ability to make fields in the outfield.
The Gators’ outfield is already considered one of the deepest in the SEC, and Yost’s return only strengthens this position. His ability to cover ground and his prowess at the plate are expected to provide a boost to a Florida team that looks to compete with the best of them in the conference.
During his freshman season in 2024, Yost played 32 games and started 14 in the outfield. The left-handed batter had a line of .284/.400/.358 over 67 at-bats. He accumulated 19 hits, including five doubles, scored 10 runs and drove in four RBI, in addition to swiping four bases.
On the defensive side, Yost recorded a .974 fielding percentage in 39 chances and contributed with two assists.
The Gators are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season, and with Yost back in action, the team’s potential looks to be very promising.
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