Russell Sandefer

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

• Evaluate sustained performance with level and age context
• Review role fit, health, roster status, and organization need

SCOUT REPORT

Sandefer's college passport has been well-stamped in Florida. He began his post-prep career at Division II St. Leo before moving to Central Florida and pitching in a bit of a swing role as a sophomore. He hit the transfer portal again and headed to the University of Florida, presumably for the chance to start. A minor injury had him working out of the pen to start the year and he didn't look comfortable, though he got in a groove over a couple of mid-week starts to earn a spot in the weekend rotation. That's been an up-and-down experience, especially in SEC play, and he seemed to dodge a bullet when x-rays came back negative after a comebacker hit him on his pitching arm during the conference tournament. While not the biggest right-hander in the world at 6-foot-1, Sandefer's stuff could give him the chance to start. He's seen his fastball tick upwards a bit this year, now sitting over 93 mph and touching 98 mph, and he backs it up with an interesting array of secondary offerings. He can miss bats with his low-80s slider with high spin, a breaker that can be a super-wide sweeper with angle, though it's inconsistent at times. He sells his low-80s changeup well with his arm speed and it features good fade and depth. He mixes in a cutter at times as well. All of Sandefer's repertoire comes from a really whippy arm and a low slot, with movement to everything he throws, and he's generally around the plate. His inconsistencies in conference play might have halted his helium a bit, but a team taking him in the top several rounds could send him out as a starter with the option to shorten him up for a life in the bullpen if that role doesn't stick.