​FSU baseball’s transfer class appears to have taken a potential hit after the Tampa Bay Rays selected commit Alex Philpott in the 16th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. The Rays picked the South Carolina transfer with the No. 473 overall choice, marking him as the first member of Florida State’s transfer group to hear his name called in the draft. Philpott, a Tampa native, spent his first two college seasons with the Florida Gators before transferring to South Carolina prior to the 2026 season. If he ultimately arrives in Tallahassee, he would have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Last season, Philpott appeared in 16 games, making one start. He posted a 6.51 ERA over 27.2 innings, going 0-5 with three saves. He allowed 20 runs on 27 hits and 15 walks, while striking out 19 and hitting four batters. His most impressive outing came against Mississippi State, when he pitched four scoreless innings—the longest stint of the year.
During his two years with Florida, the 6-foot-6, 200-pound right-hander appeared in 36 games, making six starts and recording two saves. He finished with a 7.12 ERA in 72 innings, going 5-6. Opponents hit .275 off him, tallying 57 runs on 72 hits and 34 walks. Philpott recorded 72 strikeouts and has some experience facing FSU, a factor that could be notable for future matchups.
Philpott is one of eight transfers that Florida State has added this offseason, including five pitchers. The Seminoles have already seen seven current players drafted, in addition to securing commitments from their top two high school prospects. The program’s ongoing roster reshaping reflects a broader strategy of blending immediate college-ready arms with promising younger talent.
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