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Russell Sandefer

Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Russell Sandefer across Baseball.

54 articles

Seven Florida Gators Ink MLB Deals

A group of Florida Gators baseball players have agreed to professional contracts with Major League Baseball teams, collectively earning over $6.7 million in signing bonuses.

Jul 27, 2026

Florida Prospects Shine in 2026 MLB Draft

The 2026 MLB Draft concluded with six Florida players and one signee among 613 total selections, showcasing the Gators' impact on professional baseball.

Jul 24, 2026

Florida’s Finest Shine in the 2026 MLB Draft

The 2026 MLB Draft saw Florida produce a standout group of prospects, with six current players and a recent signee drafted across the first five rounds, each receiving slot‑assigned values and bonus expectations.

Jul 24, 2026

Florida Dominates Early Rounds of 2026 MLB Draft

Three current Florida players and a signed recruit were selected among the first four rounds of the 2026 MLB Draft, highlighting the Gators’ depth and the influence of coach Kevin O’Sullivan.

Jul 12, 2026

Russell Sandefer’s Draft Journey: From Tampa to the Dodgers’ Rotation

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, he 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. 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.

Jul 12, 2026

Florida’s Finest Lead 2026 MLB Draft Field

With the 2026 MLB Draft kicking off this weekend, a cluster of Florida standouts — including right‑hander Liam Peterson and outfielder Kyle Jones — are projected to be among the first names called.

Jul 9, 2026