Florida baseball loses key starter to transfer portal, per report
By David Wasson
Published:
The Florida Gators reportedly lost one of the key players from their 2026 baseball season, as second baseman Cade Kurland has entered the transfer portal – the first Gator full-time starter to do so in the current cycle.
Earlier in the week after Florida stunningly lost to Troy in the NCAA Tournament Gainesville Regional, Kurland indicated he was going to explore professional opportunities before what would be his final season of collegiate eligibility.
Kurland slashed .279/.384/.469 with nine home runs and seven doubles this year to help Florida to a 41-21 record. Entering the transfer portal allows Kurland leverage for his future – which includes the 2026 MLB Draft that begins July 11. The portal closes June 30, and entry into it does not guarantee Kurland a departure from Florida’s program.
Kurland has been a stalwart of Florida’s infield over the last four seasons, helping the Gators reach the College World Series as a freshman in 2023 and as a sophomore in 2024. A shoulder injury ended Kurland’s junior season early in 2025, which led to him receiving an additional year of eligibility via a medical waiver.
Kurland hit .500 with four home runs in the Gainesville Regional and also recorded his 200th career hit during the home weekend, which ended in back-to-back losses to Troy.
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An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
