Gators Add Transfer Catcher Brody Donay

Florida gained a commitment from former Virginia Tech catcher Brody Donay on Saturday. Donay entered the transfer portal after just one season with VT and will have three years of collegiate eligibility remaining.

It is the second catcher that the Gators have added via the transfer portal in the last two months, with former Coastal Carolina catcher Tanner Garrison committing in June.

In his one season with the Hokies, the 6-foot-5 backstop hit .260 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI in 39 games. Donay started the season red hot at the plate, but had a slow end to the season, hitting just .167 over the course of 11 games in May. He started 33 games for Virginia Tech with six errors over the course of the season.

The catcher's frame is not typical of a college catcher, which brings into question whether or not he will stay behind the plate for the Gators. After losing BT Riopelle to graduation, and a pair of other catchers to the transfer portal, Florida needed to add depth at the position regardless.

Donay was the No. 174 prospect according to Perfect Game as an incoming freshman a year ago. Before starting his college career, Donay played four years of varsity baseball at Lakeland Christian High School (Fla.). He is currently playing summer baseball in the Cape Cod League, where he is hitting .424 for Hyannis.

Florida still has several questions pending ahead of next season, specifically on the mound. After one of their top incoming freshmen, Steven Echavarria, was drafted and incoming transfer Kelly Austin signed with the Astros, the Gators are still looking for some arm replacements.

Jac Caglianone is the lone returning weekend starter for Florida after the Friday and Saturday starters, Hurston Waldrep and Brandon Sproat, were both selected in the draft. Kevin O'Sullivan will likely have to pursue another pitcher ahead of the 2024 campaign.