Josh
Rivera

After scuffling his junior season at the plate (.254 batting average), Rivera looked the part last weekend in Knoxville of the early Day Two prospect that was predicted before last year’s draft. It was also the same vibe I felt while watching him compete against Georgia in Jacksonville last fall where he easily had the look of a future big leaguer. This season the fourth-year shortstop is batting .397 with 13 home runs and 47 RBI. Two of those 13 round-trippers were belted over the weekend against the Vols. The first was a shot to right center field that left the bat with a 96.9 mph EV. The second was struck at 95.1 mph and traveled 391’. His EVs peaked at 109.5 on ground ball single during Saturday’s series finale. Rivera can also play stellar defense with range in all directions and above average arm strength. At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Rivera is big and strong, yet still looks to have the athleticism and lateral mobility to stick at shortstop in pro ball. He also possesses high level instincts as was seen with a two-out dive on a ground ball in the six-hole with a runner on second base. This all out effort saved a run by keeping the ball on the infield. On the base paths he ran plus underway with similar high level instincts. Adding his fall performance into the equation, the past seven months have been the best he’s played over a long stretch since his time in Gainesville. He has the potential to become an impact hitter at an up-the-middle position if it all clicks and is a no-doubt top 50 pick prospect for this summer’s draft.

Rising Hitters: After scuffling his junior season at the plate (.254 batting average), Rivera looked the part this fall of the early Day Two prospect that he was predicted to be last season. His performance against Georgia in Jacksonville this fall easily had the look of a future big leaguer. The 6-foot-2, 210 pound right handed hitter led the Gators with three hits in five at-bats, which included a double. He scored two runs, laced an RBI single and stole a base. Also playing stellar defense, Rivera showed range in all directions, especially to his left and an above average arm. On the base paths he ran plus underway and showed high level instincts. For the fall, Rivera batted .400 with three doubles, two triples and six home runs, while committing just one error at shortstop. It was the best he’s played over a long stretch since his time in Gainesville and if he continues, Rivera is a no-doubt top three round prospect for next summer’s draft.

Cape Cod- A key piece of Florida's top-ranked 2019 recruiting class, Rivera has been the Gators' everyday shortstop since he arrived on campus, but he had an uneven 2021 campaign as a 2YR FR, hitting .253/.324/.389 with 52 strikeouts against 18 walks and inconsistent defense. He hit .248 with one homer in 117 at-bats for Chatham this summer, but he got better handling the wood bat as the summer progressed, and he seemed to gain confidence in all aspects of his game, not stressing so much about errors on defense. Rivera stands out most for his natural, smooth actions on defense, and he's capable of playing a quality shortstop despite modest foot speed because of his good instincts, smooth transfers and easy arm strength. He still needs to become a more consistent defender and take care of the routine play better, but he can make some highlight-reel plays. He worked with Chatham hitting coach Mickey Tettleton to drop his hands into a good slot and drive the ball the other way, and that work paid dividends late in the summer. He does also have raw power from the right side but has yet to really tap into it. Rivera's best days are ahead of him, but he could be poised for a big 2022 at Florida.

2018 WWBA World Championship co-MVP. Florida commit. 6-2. 205-pounds, athletic frame physical lower half. Was an offensive catalyst, top of the order bat for the Burn. Consistently took quality at-bats throughout the weekend, putting the ball in play with hard contact. Showed feel and the ability to make adjustments mid at-bat. Takes a gap-to-gap approach, had awareness to take shorter approaches when the situation dictated. Defensively, moved well at shortstop, plenty of arm strength to stick on the left-side, soft hands, body control on run throughs, made a number of highlight throws. Went 7-for-16 with ne home run, six RBI, and five walks.

10/12/18 - Florida commit. 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-handed infielder, athletic frame, strong lower half. Continues to physically mature, increasing his power abilities at the plate. Presently produced more line drive contact in batting practice, driving balls into the gaps, with continued development can become an above average power hitter. Barrel path has lengthened out, added a more pronounced backward hand load, still gets to contact quickly with athletic hands/wrists, some natural loft. The offensively tools play in game, where he has an advanced and simple approach. Defensively, continues to trend up at third base, short, athletic arm action, utilizes multiple angles, more than enough arm strength to stick, showed good body control on run through. Ran a 6.82 60. Overall, he has multiple above average tools and will a above average hit/power combo and be an above average defender at the next level. 


07/13/17- Committed to the University of Florida.

01/21/17- Rice commit. The 6-foot, 165-pound looks to be bigger and stronger with a good frame. With a triple in the game all of the tools consistently translate into the game. The right handed hitting infielder has a  short , compact swing and set up is balanced and everything works together.  Ball jumps off the bat to all fields. He showed a quality short path in both batting practice and the game and projects to make a big jump in power as he fills out. He showed very sounds defensive actions and projects to be able to be an above average defensive third baseman. The tools currently play at a high level and showed that he can project to be a potential draft pick as well.

Rice recruit. Currently ranked No. 23 in the Florida 2019 Class, No. 86 Overall. Stands at 6-foot, 165 pounds with a strong, athletic build and a good lower half. At third base he showed good actions, lateral quickness, and fielded the ball under control with confidence. Charges the slow rollers with aggressiveness. Throws were accurate to the bag with carry as he topped out at 85 mph across the diamond. At the plate he has a slightly open stance with a high hand set and a quick, short swing. Displayed the ability to use all of the plate. Made consistent contact and showed gap to gap power. Ran a 6.84 for his 60 yard dash time. High follow as he continues to mature.

Committing to Rice shortly after the event, he impressed both offensively and defensively all weekend. He has and advanced approach and above average bat speed for the class. He is an above average defender at third and will project to be a middle of the order bat. 

8/13/16- 6-foot, 165 pounds with an athletic, strong build. Solid defender with soft hands. He moves well with an above average arm.  Barreled the baseball in the game and batting practice creating above average bat speed from a strong lower half and quick hands. He consistently stays through the baseball. Up to 84 on the mound with a loose arm action.