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Former Florida Star Makes $500K Decision After MLB Draft

Jul 20, 2025 11:27 PM EDT

The Florida Gators baseball team had one of the best turnarounds in the country during the 2025 season. The Gators were victorious just once in their first 12 SEC games before a miraculous reversal, finishing with a conference record of 15-15, resulting in a trip to the NCAA postseason.

One of the biggest reasons head coach Kevin O’Sullivan and Florida were able to turn their season around was the move from weekend starter to full-time closer of right-hander Jake Clemente.

Unfortunately for Gator fans, Clemente will not be returning to Gainesville for another year, as he signed a contract with the Miami Marlins on Sunday after being selected in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB Draft.

Clemente and the Marlins agreed on a $500,000 contract, according to MLB.com’s Jim Callis. This is over $100,000 more than the slot value for the No. 198 pick, in which Miami picked the flamethrower.

The 6-foot-3 righty made five starts for the Gators last year, as his early-season struggles aligned with Florida’s. Through his first seven appearances, Clemente had an ERA of 6.08. After that, O’Sullivan turned Clemente to the bullpen, where he shined.

In his final 14 appearances of the season, all of which came out of the ‘pen, Clemente surrendered just five earned runs. He tossed 31 innings during this stretch, striking out 45 batters and logging seven saves. These incredible relief outings resulted in an All-SEC Second Team selection.

Clemente showed some phenomenal flashes throughout the 2025 season, touching 99 mph with his fastball to pair with a wipeout slider in the mid-80s. He also has shown an impressive changeup on occasion.

With Clemente inking his deal with the Marlins on Sunday, it officially ends his career with the Gators. As Miami overpaid on the slot value by a large margin, it is clear the Marlins wanted the Coral Springs, Florida, native to play for his hometown team for years to come.