Despite being offered to return to the Gators for one more year, former Florida baseball pitcher Luke McNeillie finalized his deal with the New York Mets over the weekend.

The Mets selected the right-handed pitcher in the fifth round of the 2026 MLB draft. Selected No. 152 overall, McNeillie was given a slot value of $472,500. The Mets finalized a contract Sunday that offers him $497,500, which is $25,000 over the slot value for his pick. 

The Milton, Georgia native spent three seasons with the Gators, however, injuries impacted his time on the field. In the last year, he had 10 fewer appearances than the year prior. Even so, during his junior season, he was named to the 2026 Preseason All-SEC First Team and Baseball America’s Preseason All-American Second team.

McNeillie appeared in 18 games in his last season at Florida, highlighted by three starts. He finished off with a 3-0 record, a career-low 3.97 ERA and one save. He struck out 48 batters while walking 17 in 34.0 innings. This equates to a 12.7 K/9 and 2.82 K-to-BB ratio.

McNeillie delivered his strongest outing of the season against rival Florida State, tossing three scoreless innings in relief while allowing two hits and one walk, recording a season-high six strikeouts.

During his sophomore season, McNeillie pitched in a team-high 28 games, posting a 5-2 record and 4.82 ERA. He struck out a career-high 72 batters against 24 walks in 52 ⅓ innings of work. He registered a 1.30 WHIP for the season. 

For his freshman year, McNeillie made 26 appearances with two midweek starts, finishing the season with a 4-6 record, 7.07 ERA and two saves. He struck out 43 batters against 21 walks in 35 ⅔ innings. 

McNeillie will take the next step of his career at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida at the New York Mets’ rookie facilities.