A promising arm rises from Florida's college ranks
Russell Sandefer, a Tampa native, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, earning a slot value of $575,300.
During his sole season with the University of Florida Gators, Sandefer appeared in 19 games, starting 12, and posted a 4.42 earned run average over 57 innings, striking out 60 batters while walking 22.
A breakout performance against Ole Miss
His most memorable outing came against Ole Miss, where he threw a career‑high seven innings and recorded 11 strikeouts, setting new personal benchmarks.
Before arriving in Gainesville, Sandefer honed his craft at Saint Leo University, where he compiled a 5‑2 record, a 3.38 ERA and a 39‑to‑4 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio across 11 appearances. He later transferred to the University of Central Florida, posting a 3.38 ERA with 49 strikeouts against 19 walks in more than 50 innings.
The Dodgers’ scouting department highlighted his durability and poise, noting that his experience across multiple programs gave him a unique perspective on pitching at the collegiate level. With a strong foundation and a proven track record in high‑pressure games, Sandefer is expected to move quickly through the organization’s minor‑league system.