Russell Sandefer, a right‑handed pitcher from Tampa, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the recent MLB Draft, a pick that carries a slot value of $575,300.
After a standout season with the Florida Gators, Sandefer transitioned from a bullpen role to a weekend starter, logging 12 starts and 19 appearances while posting a 4.42 earned run average across 57 innings.
The 22‑year‑old consistently throws in the mid‑90s, topping out at 99 miles per hour, and relies on a sharp sweeper and a deceptive changeup to keep hitters off balance.
His most memorable outing came against Ole Miss, where he delivered seven innings of work, striking out 11 batters and setting career highs for both innings pitched and strikeouts.
Prior to Florida, Sandefer honed his craft at Saint Leo University and the University of Central Florida, where he posted a 3.38 ERA and compiled a 39‑to‑4 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio over 11 games at Saint Leo, and 49 strikeouts against 19 walks in more than 50 innings at UCF.
A Promising Arm in the Dodgers’ Farm System
The Dodgers view Sandefer as a high‑upside piece for their developing rotation, betting that his fastball velocity and secondary pitches will translate well to professional competition. With a track record of durability and a proven ability to perform in clutch moments, he joins a pipeline that has recently produced major‑league talent such as Tony Gonsolin and Tyler Anderson.
Scouts have noted the Tampa native’s poise on the mound and his willingness to attack the strike zone, traits that could accelerate his ascent through the minor leagues. If he continues to refine command and maintain health, a debut in Los Angeles could materialize within the next two seasons.