Jon Sandfort

JON SANDFORT
RIGHT HANDED PITCHER
Born: August 27, 1994
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 205
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Drafted: 3rd Round, 103rd Overall, 2012
How Acquired: Draft
High School: Winter Springs HS, FL
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES
Sandfort is consistent with the Pirates’ preference for tall, “projectible” RHPs, a preference that so far has been disturbingly unproductive.  He came on late as a draft prospect, but Baseball America ultimately rated him the 36th best prospect in a very strong Florida pool and 255th overall.  His fastball sits at 88-91 and he doesn’t hold his velocity well (although Perfect Game USA disagrees on this point), but he’s reached 94.  He has a good curve and, like most prep pitchers, a developing change.  Sandfort had a commitment to Florida, but agreed to sign right after the draft for the full slot amount.

2012
R:  0-1-0, 4.80 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 15.0 IP, 6.0 BB/9, 4.2 K/9

Sandfort debuted in mid-July and made eight starts, although he didn’t pitch more than three innings in any of them.  He didn’t get hit hard, but he walked more than he struck out.

2013
R:  2-2-0, 4.95 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 36.1 IP, 3.5 BB/9, 8.7 K/9

Returning to the GCL, Sandfort made progress.  He had some good starts and missed some bats, but as the season went along he had increasing control problems.  Left-handed batters hit .333 against him.

2014
R+:  1-4-0, 10.85 ERA, 2.17 WHIP, 37.1 IP, 3.4 BB/9, 5.1 K/9

Sandfort’s season was a disaster, with opponents hitting .401 against him.  He started off in the Bristol rotation, but made only five starts among his 15 appearances.  He didn’t pitch any better in relief.  His velocity was down to 87-89 and he didn’t show a useful second pitch.

Unless Sandfort makes some significant changes in fall instructionals or spring training, the Pirates will probably have to send him back to Bristol or even move him down to the GCL in 2015.
STATS
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MiLB.com
HS
W-L
IP
K
ERA
2012 8-1 68.2 73 0.92
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2015: Minor league contract.
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: $462,900
MiLB Debut: 2012
MLB Debut:
MiLB FA Eligible: 2018
MLB FA Eligible:
Rule 5 Eligible: 2016
Added to 40-Man:
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 5, 2012: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 3rd round, 103rd overall pick; signed on June 14.