GATOR BASEBALL: Gators Get Transfer INF from FAU

Florida baseball squad made additions to their roster on Saturday with the commitment of former FAU infielder Armando Albert, who transferred to the Gators after a two-season stint at Florida Atlantic.

Infielder transfer Armondo Albert from FAU

Albert completed back-to-back seasons as a starter for the Owls. He assumed the role of shortstop and leadoff hitter for almost all but two games in 2023, following his participation in 55 games in 2022. Before entering the transfer portal, Albert concluded the season on a 31-game streak of reaching base. During his time at FAU, he made his presence felt on the field, including setting a new FAU single-game record with 11 assists against Western Kentucky.

After attending Belen Jesuit Prep, Albert joined Santa Fe College in Gainesville prior to the 2021 season. His sole season with the Saints saw him achieve a .312 batting average and a .417 on-base percentage. As a left-handed hitter, Albert maintained a .312 average in his debut season at Santa Fe, garnering ten doubles and a triple, often batting at the top of the lineup. He ranked third in runs scored (37) and hits (44) for the team, and fourth in RBI (27). His contributions extended to stolen bases, ranking second on the team with nine.

On the defensive front, Albert turned 11 double plays for the Saints. During the FCSAA State Tournament, Albert recorded hits in five of the six games and replicated his season-high four RBIs in an 8-7, 11-inning victory against Indian River State College. He was subsequently named to the All-Tournament Team at the FCSAA State Tournament, where Santa Fe secured the runner-up position.

Albert's addition to the Florida baseball team follows Jaylen Guy's decision the previous Friday to join the program. Guy, an outfielder who transferred from Liberty, made his college debut in 2019, ranked as the No. 90 outfielder in the 2018 class by Perfect Game.

Guy's batting average started at .257 during his initial Liberty season, but underwent a gradual decline in the subsequent two years, reaching .245 and .198 respectively. Notably, the 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a premature halt in March. Guy's 2022 season was interrupted by an arm injury, but he made a strong comeback in 2023.

In 2021, he achieved a career-high .309 batting average, with 12 doubles, two triples, two home runs, and a team-leading 23 stolen bases.

Known for his glove, Guy was named the ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year prior to the 2022 season. Guy's addition is big for the Gators, as they sought outfield reinforcement following the departure of star player Wyatt Langford. While players like Tyler Shelnut, Michael Robertson, and Ty Evans possess the potential to contribute consistently, their performance in the 2023 season lacked the desired stability.

With the recent commitment from Guy, the Gators have secured another notable addition by incorporating infielder Armando Albert, who has local ties to the region.

The reload of the Gator Baseball program is well underway.