Round 1 – No. 20

Jonathon Crawford, RHP

Detroit Tigers



Height: 6’2″ – Weight: 205 lbs.

B/T: R/R – Class: Junior

In a move that had been predicted by many analysts, Florida Gators junior right-handed pitcher Jonathon Crawford was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

After not drafting a player out of Florida dating back to 1995, Detroit has selected Gators in consecutive seasons. The Tigers picked RHP Hudson Randall with the No. 244 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2012 MLB Draft.

Florida’s ace this season, Crawford struggled to build on his impressive 2012 campaign, finishing the season 3-6 in 15 starts with a 3.84 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 86.2 innings pitched. As a sophomore, Crawford made 14 starts, finishing with a 6-2 record, 3.13 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 77.2 innings. He also threw a no-hitter in the 2012 NCAA Tournament, earning national acclaim and a spot on Team USA last summer.

Crawford was hitting 97 mph on his fastball during his sophomore season, accompanying it with a devastating slider. In 2013, his velocity dropped to the low 90s, and his command was suspect at times. He eventually got back into the 95 mph range and showcased a plus slider once again.

It is the second-straight year that the Gators have had a player selected in the first round of the MLB Draft. Catcher Mike Zunino (No. 3, Seattle) and left-hander Brian Johnson (No. 31, Boston) were both chosen in 2012.

Crawford is UF’s ninth first-round draft choice to be selected in the regular June draft and 14th first-round pick overall* in team history. He is the highest-drafted Florida pitcher since John Burke was chosen No. 6 overall in 1991.

* Burke was selected with a first-round pick twice (1991, 1992). Florida has also had six players selected with first-round picks in “secondary” MLB drafts held only for previously-drafted players, which have been discontinued since 1987.