After prepping at well-known IMG Academy, Josh Rivera was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. The number 53 player in the country at the time, Rivera decided instead to follow through on his commitment to play college ball for coach Kevin O'Sullivan and the Florida Gators. Gator fans quickly learned his name, with Rivera homering in his collegiate debut against Marshall and going on to start all 16 games that season at shortstop. In 2021, Rivera was ranked Number 43 on the Baseball America Preseason Top 150 and started 52 games at shortstop and second base. He slashed .253/.324/.389 and demonstrated composure under pressure when he logged a career-high four hits against eventual NCAA champion Mississippi State in the 2021 SEC Tournament. He is currently an undrafted free agent in the MLB and may return to the Gators for another season.
