Pete Alonso's All-Star blast headlines big week for Florida Gators in the MLB

admin_news admin_news
Jul 22, 2025 - 02:00
0 0
Pete Alonso's All-Star blast headlines big week for Florida Gators in the MLB

The second half of the MLB season is officially underway, and several former Florida baseball players are back on the field–and back in the headlines.

Leading the way was New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who launched an opposite field home run in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game while driving in three runs for the national League.

Meanwhile, Harrison Bader picked up right where he left off, continuing his July power surge for the Minnesota Twins.

The Kansas City Royals' Jonathan India and Jac Caglianone each had a solid weekend at the plate while Wyatt Langford struggled for the Texas Rangers out of the gate post-break.

Here's how each former Gator performed over the past weekend as the second half of the season is officially underway.

Pete Alonso: First Baseman, New York Mets

Last 3 Games: .100 AVG | .182 OBP | .100 SLG | 0 HR | 1 RBI | 1 H

2025 Season: .275 AVG | .370 OBP | .520 SLG | 21 HR | 77 RBI

2025 All-Star Game: 1-for-2 | 1 HR | 3 RBI | 1 R

Alonso delivered one of the biggest swings in the All-Star Game, launching a home run and driving in three runs. Since returning to regular season action, he's struggled at the plate. But the sample since is extremely small since it's only been taken from three games. Expect Alonso to have just as big of an impact in the second half of the season as he did in the first half.

Wyatt Langford: Outfielder, Texas Rangers

Last 3 Games: .000 AVG | .000 OBP | .000 SLG | 0 HR | 0 RBI | 7 SO

2025 Season: .234 AVG | .313 OBP | .419 SLG | 15 HR | 38 RBI

Langford had a tough series coming out of the break, going hitless against the Detroit Tigers with seven strikeouts in three games. The Texas outfielder struggled to make consistent contact, failing to reach base in any of his 10 plate appearances.

The Rangers will be counting on him to make the necessary adjustments and rediscover his rhythm as the second half of the season unfolds.

Jac Caglianone: Outfielder, Kansas City Royals

Last 2 Games: .250 AVG | .250 OBP | .375 SLG | 0 HR | 2 RBI | 2 H

2025 Season: .146 AVG | .204 OBP | .270 SLG | 4 HR | 9 RBI

Caglianone showed signs of life at the plate this weekend, collecting a pair of hits and two RBI. The raw talent is undeniable–it's just a matter of refining his approach against big-league arms. Encouragingly, he struck out just once over his last two games, suggesting progress in his plate discipline. If he continues to trend in that direction, the former Florida slugger could soon carve out a consistent role in Kansas City's lineup.

Harrison Bader: Outfielder, Minnesota Twins

Last 3 Games: .222 AVG | .300 OBP | .667 SLG | 1 HR | 2 RBI

2025 Season: .253 AVG | .335 OBP | .445 SLG | 12 HR | 36 RBI

Bader added to his impressive July by launching his 12th home run of the season in Colorado. The veteran outfielder continues to produce on both sides of the ball, anchoring Minnesota's outfield with strong defense and timely power.

He's batting .278 with five home runs this month and has become a steady presence in the Twins' order. With his bat heating up, Bader is proving to be one of Minnesota's most complete and reliable players.

Jonathan India: Infielder, Kansas City Royals

Last 2 Games: .250 AVG | .250 OBP | .500 SLG | 0 HR | 2 RBI

2025 Season: .246 AVG | .328 OBP | .342 SLG | 4 HR | 26 RBI

India has battled through a cold July, but a two-RBI performance Saturday against the Miami Marlins offered a glimpse of the production he's more than capable of. The Royals continue to count on his veteran presence and leadership and his ability to work counts and move runners has remained a quiet strength, even during slumps. If he can string together quality at-bats, India could really push Kansas City's offense to a different level.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Pete Alonso homers in All-Star Game as former Gators shine across MLB

Read More