​Florida pitcher Russell Sandefer, a Tampa native, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft, going as the 132nd overall pick with a slot value of $575,300. In his lone season at the University of Florida, Sandefer initially opened the year out of the bullpen before transitioning into the Gators’ weekend starting rotation. The right-hander sits in the mid-90s on the radar gun, reaching a top velocity of 99 mph. His repertoire includes a sweeping breaking ball and a changeup, giving him a versatile set of options against hitters.
During his 2026 campaign in Gainesville, Sandefer appeared in 19 games, making 12 starts while contributing as a key member of Florida’s pitching staff. He compiled a 4.42 ERA across 57 innings, recording 60 strikeouts and 22 walks. One standout performance came against Ole Miss, where he delivered a career-high seven innings and struck out 11 batters while allowing only two hits, showcasing his ability to tame top-tier offenses when he’s on his game.
Sandefer’s path to Florida followed a somewhat nontraditional route, reflecting his journey through multiple programs in a short period. He began his collegiate career at Division II Saint Leo University, where he posted a 5-2 record, a 3.38 ERA, one save, and a 39-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 11 appearances totaling 45.2 innings. After transferring to Central Florida (UCF) in 2025, he continued to demonstrate effectiveness on the mound, logging more than 50 innings with a 3.38 ERA, 49 strikeouts, and 19 walks, and posting a similar strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Sandefer’s performance at UCF helped him attract attention from major league scouts, culminating in his selection by the Dodgers in the 2026 draft. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-hander’s blend of velocity, movement on his breaking ball, and feel for a quality changeup gives him a compelling upside as he enters professional baseball. His ability to handle multiple roles—both as a reliever and a starter—adds further versatility to his prospect profile, which the Dodgers will likely explore as he progresses through their minor league system.
For those seeking further details, Florida Gators coverage can be pursued through Andrew Abadie, a Florida Gators writer who can be reached via AAbadie@usatodayco.com. He is also accessible on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie, on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter, and on Instagram at @andrewabadie_sports. This article originally appeared in The Gainesville Sun and was optimized to highlight Russell Sandefer’s journey and potential impact for the Los Angeles Dodgers as MLB’s scouting and drafting season unfolds.