Pete Alonso ties New York Mets home run record as former Florida Gators shine across MLB

USA Today

4 hours ago

Former Florida baseball players continue to make noise across Major League Baseball as the season moves deeper into August.
This past week brought a mix of power surges, defensive gems and a few bumps in the road for several ex-Gators.
Pete Alonso delivered one of the week's biggest moments in the majors, belting his 252nd career home run to tie Darryl Strawberry for the New York Mets' franchise record. Brady Singer had a hiccup after back-to-back dominant starts, but his recent stretch still shows promise.
Wyatt Langford cooled off after a strong run at the plate, while Harrison Bader continued to bring his Gold Glove-caliber defense to Philadelphia. Jonathan India has been searching for consistency but found ways to contribute, and Jac Caglianone remains sidelined as the Royals await his return.
With each player navigating the grind of the second half, the Gators' impact on MLB rosters remains undeniable.
Pete Alonso: First Baseman, New York Mets
Last 7 Games: .286 AVG | .276 OBP | .571 SLG | 2 HR | 7 RBI
2025 Season: .264 AVG | .350 OBP | .511 SLG | 26 HR | 93 RBI
Alonso's bat came alive this week, and he delivered a moment Mets fans will never forget. With his second homer of the series in Milwaukee, the former Gator launched No. 252 of his career, tying Strawberry for the most in franchise history.
It's a milestone that underscores his place among the greatest power hitters in Mets history—and he's not slowing down. Seven RBI over his last seven games have helped keep New York in the postseason mix, and his recent surge is coming at exactly the right time for a team chasing October baseball.
Wyatt Langford: Outfielder, Texas Rangers
Last 7 Games: .174 AVG | .345 OBP | .217 SLG | 0 HR | 1 RBI
2025 Season: .238 AVG | .321 OBP | .405 SLG | 15 HR | 45 RBI
After showing signs of heating up earlier this month, Langford's production dipped over the past week. He still managed to get on base at a solid clip thanks to six walks, but the extra-base hits weren't there.
If he can pair that plate discipline with his usual gap-to-gap power, the Rangers could see a quick turnaround from one of their most dynamic young hitters.
Jac Caglianone: Outfielder, Kansas City Royals
Status: 10-Day Injured List (Hamstring)
2025 Season: .147 AVG | .205 OBP | .280 SLG | 5 HR | 10 RBI
Caglianone remains sidelined after a left hamstring strain late last month. Before the injury, the rookie slugger had been showing flashes of his raw power despite overall inconsistency. Kansas City is eager to get him back healthy, knowing his bat could make an impact down the stretch.
Harrison Bader: Outfielder, Philadelphia Phillies
Last 7 Games: .150 AVG | .261 OBP | .300 SLG | 1 HR | 3 RBI
2025 Season (MIN/PHI): .251 AVG | .333 OBP | .430 SLG | 13 HR | 41 RBI
Bader's full week in a Phillies uniform featured more defensive highlights than offensive fireworks, but he did manage to add a home run and three RBI. His ability to track balls in the gap, make efficient routes and throw with accuracy keeps run production down for opponents.
Philadelphia's front office valued him for exactly these traits at the trade deadline and if the bat heats up alongside the glove, Bader could be one of the more underrated pickups of the summer.
Jonathan India: Infielder, Kansas City Royals
Last 7 Games: .148 AVG | .281 OBP | .259 SLG | 1 HR | 4 RBI
2025 Season: .236 AVG | .321 OBP | .339 SLG | 6 HR | 36 RBI
India has been in a funk at the plate, but he's still finding ways to help the Royals. His four RBI this week included a go-ahead homer, and his defensive flexibility has allowed Kansas City to plug him into multiple infield and even outfield spots when needed. For a team fighting to stay competitive, having a player who can grind out at-bats, work counts and move around the field is invaluable.
Brady Singer: Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
Last Outing (Aug. 7 @PIT): 3.2 IP | 6 H | 4 ER | 4 BB | 2 SO
2025 Season: 9-9 | 4.53 ERA | 119.1 IP | 113 SO | 1.35 WHIP
Singer's most recent start was a step back after two straight gems, as control issues led to four walks and an early exit in Pittsburgh. Still, his prior outings against Atlanta and Tampa Bay showed how effective he can be when his sinker-slider combo is working. If he can regain that sharpness, the Reds will have a reliable arm to lean on in the final stretch of the season.
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