Florida Baseball Bolsters Pitching Staff with Hawaii Transfer Cooper Walls

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sadik Hossain | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 11:39 AM ET

The Florida Gators are adding a new arm to their rotation. Right-handed pitcher Cooper Walls is transferring in from Hawaii.

Walls made 13 starts as a true freshman last season. He posted a 3.73 ERA during that stretch. The Florida Gators confirmed the move in a post shared Monday.

The announcement comes at a key time. Gators are looking to improve on the mound ahead of the 2025 season. Adding Walls gives the team more depth and another starting option.

His experience in a Division I program will help. Walls showed he could handle a starting role early in his college career. Now, he joins the Gators staff that continues to take shape.

The Gators' coaching staff has emphasized strengthening the rotation. This move fits into that approach. Walls brings solid numbers and a full season of starting experience.

Gators have been active in the transfer portal. Bringing in a pitcher like Walls shows they’re targeting contributors, not just depth. The focus remains on competing in a strong SEC field.

Fans reacted to the news with a mix of optimism and curiosity. One response noted that Walls might have been just fine staying in Hawaii. Still, a move to Florida means more visibility. It also means facing higher-level competition every week.

For the program, it’s another calculated addition. Pitching has been a focus. Adding a right-hander who has already logged serious innings is a positive step.

Gators’ offseason continues to develop. This move is one more signal that the team isn’t standing still. Walls is now part of that next phase.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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