​The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Florida right-hander Russell Sandefer with the 132nd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB draft. With pick No. 132, Sandefer is slated to receive a slot value of $575,300, and he should be able to sign for around that figure or higher as a third-year player. He stands as the 233rd Gator drafted all-time and the 119th draft selection under head coach Kevin O’Sullivan.
Sandefer is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound starter who began his college career at Division II St. Leo University. There, he posted a 5-2 record, a 3.38 ERA, one save, and a 39-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 45 2/3 innings, appearing in eight starts and 11 games overall. He continued to build his credentials at UCF in 2025 in his first year at the Division I level, recording a 3.38 ERA, fanning 49 and walking 19 over 50 2/3 innings. In 18 appearances, including six starts, he earned one save.
Sandefer then transferred to Florida for his junior season with hopes of breaking into the rotation. He did earn a spot in the starting five, though he initially faced competition from Cooper Walls for the Sunday slot. An early-season injury briefly sidelined him, but he returned to form as Walls’ standing weakened. Across 19 appearances for Florida, 12 as a starter, Sandefer went 3-2 with a 4.42 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP, while limiting opponents to a .240 average. He struck out 60 and walked 22, with four homers allowed. His best performance came against Ole Miss, when he delivered seven shutout innings, permitting just two hits and one walk.
Questions linger regarding Sandefer’s fastball, even as velocity ticked up. He can reach 98 mph, though he typically sits in the 93-95 mph range. His breaking ball has high spin and shows sweeper tendencies due to a low arm slot. The changeup plays well, and he has started incorporating a cutter. If his fastball can translate into more consistent usage, his other offerings could reach a 60-grade ceiling. The Dodgers may deploy him first as a starter and transition him to a bullpen role if necessary.
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