Baseball Position Preview: Catcher/Infield

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - First pitch of the 2025 season is four days away as North Florida welcomes Notre Dame to Harmon Stadium. UNF's roster features numerous catchers and infielders who have returned for the '25 season.

North Florida's offense will look to improve upon their 2024 marks, as they finished last in the ASUN conference in batting average (.246), home runs (31), and total runs scored (273). Despite the low numbers, the Ospreys consistently put the ball in play as they struck out the second-least amount in the conference and had nine games where they scored nine or more runs.

Returners:
C Jabin Bates - .271/.400/.375, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 4 SB

Bates' had a strong first season and hit over .300 in ASUN play. The Grandville, Michigan native had nine multi-hit games and put together a seven-game hit streak that started in early April. An OBP machine, Bates walked more than he struck out and finished second on the team in doubles. He led all UNF catchers in starts last season and could be a consistent starter again in 2025.

C Eric Fouraker - .167/.203/.204, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB

Fouraker's tenure with the Ospreys can be described with one word: defense. The Bryceville, Florida native has been one of the strongest defensive catchers in the ASUN conference since his freshman campaign in 2023. Fouraker has made one error in almost 40 games in navy and gray, good for a fielding percentage of .995. The former TCA Conqueror found himself starting more towards the backend of the '24 season, setting career highs in plate appearances, hits, and RBIs.

INF Connor Moore - 300/.339/.409, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB

Moore was a rotational piece for the first half of the season in 2024, seeing time on the left side of the infield and occasionally in the outfield. The Florida State transfer started off the '24 season with a seven-game hit streak, and eventually found his way towards the top of the lineup. The senior's versatility is a game changer for Coach Mercadante, and his speed makes him a dangerous threat on the bases.

INF Alex Rodriguez - .200/.264/.275, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB

Rodriguez was the everyday shortstop at the beginning of the '24 season and hit the ball well in non-conference play. He was stuck in a slump before a two-hit game against Lipscomb on April 14 but missed the rest of the season due to an injury sustained in that game. Rodriguez, like Moore, has versatility and can be used as a pinch-runner. The Upland, California native should see more time in 2025 on the left side of the infield.

INF Cal Leonard - .000/1.000/.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB

Leonard redshirted his freshman season and only had two plate appearances in 2024. He walked in both appearances and made his NCAA debut on March 5 against USF. Leonard could see time at first base this season, as the Jacksonville native has taken more offseason reps there compared to third base.

INF Finn Howell - .233/.365/.237, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 5 SB

Howell was used more in ASUN play compared to non-conference. He got more playing time after the Rodriguez injury and had a six-game hit streak that spanned two and a half weeks in May. Howell has the ability to play second, third, and shortstop, and was also used as a pitcher his freshman season. He had a higher on-base percentage than many starters from last season and walked a career high 12 times.

INF Cade Bush - .250/.399/.318, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 2 SB

Bush provides a lot of power to the UNF lineup. While he only homered twice last season, an improved North Florida lineup should allow his numbers to rise. The former Florida State Seminole was among the best in the ASUN in drawing walks and played solid defense at first base. His strikeout numbers have always been solid, and he fits well in a lineup that could feature more lefty hitters than right-handed. Bush has the potential to start every game this season at first base for Joe Mercadante.

Transfers:
C Santiago Ordonez - .336/.474/.474, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 0 SB (2024 Stats at SCF)

Ordonez began his collegiate career at Florida State, similar to a few other Ospreys. After a season at State College of Florida, the former Seminole is back at the D1 level and fills a void in the roster left by Jakob Runnels. The Fort Myers native should have ample opportunities next season behind the dish and could rotate with Bates on weekends.

INF Mitchell Collins - .374/.493/.528, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 16 SB (2024 Stats at Kentucky St.)

Collins was a standout freshman for Kentucky State and his stats were impressive. He led the team in batting average, doubles, walks, and was perfect on the bases. North Florida's 2024 infield struggled to stay consistent at the plate, so the addition of Collins could help the '25 Ospreys tremendously. The Omaha, Nebraska native was the SIAC Freshman of the Year and has the potential to be a dangerous threat in ASUN conference play.

INF Carter White - Did Not Play

White originally was a UCF Knight before transferring to North Florida. The infielder did not play in 2024 but should find plenty of opportunities to play this season. The Naples, Florida native has a powerful swing, and should be able to take advantage of the hitter friendly confines of Harmon Stadium.

INF Brady Browning - .278/.393/.456, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 0 SB (2024 Stats at Western Kentucky)

Browning began his career at West Florida and Chipola College, before making the jump to D1's Western Kentucky. While he did not lead the 2024 Hilltoppers in any offensive categories, he was still a consistent starter in the infield. With the 2025 Ospreys having a few openings in the infield, Browning has the opportunity to win a starting job, and could be a threat offensively as well.

Freshmen:
INF Javier Calzadilla

Calzadilla played at East Ridge High School and hit an impressive .391 as a junior. The Clermont, Florida native improved his fielding percentage by .065 after his junior campaign and was able to get in as a pitcher as well. His speed is a huge part of his game, and he could be used as a pinch runner at times during the season.

Players Mentioned

Jabin Bates

Brady Browning

Cade Bush

Javier Calzadilla

Mitchell Collins

Eric Fouraker

Finn Howell

Cal Leonard

Connor Moore

Santiago Ordonez

Alex Rodriguez

Jakob Runnels

Carter White

Footer