July 11, 2026, 7:32 p.m. ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Florida right-hander Russell Sandefer with the 132nd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB draft.

At pick No. 132, Sandefer is set to receive a slot value of $575,300. He should be able to sign around that number or higher as a third-year player. He is the 233rd Gator drafted all-time, the 119th draft selection under Kevin O’Sullivan.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound starter started his college career at Division II St. Leo, where he had a 5-2 record, 3.38 ERA, one save and a 39-to-four strikeout-to-walk ratio over 45 2/3 innings. Sandefer started eight games and made 11 total appearances.

He found similar success at UCF in 2025 in his first season as a Division I athlete. Sandefer held a 3.38 ERA, struck out 49 batters and walked just 19 over 50 2/3 innings. He made six starts and earned one save over 18 total appearances.

Sandefer then transferred to Florida for his junior year, hoping to crack the starting rotation. He managed to do exactly that, but only after being beaten out by Cooper Walls for the Sunday spot. Sandefer was injured early in the season and took some time to get back to full strength, but he was healthy enough by the time Walls had lost most of his goodwill.

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Twelve of Sandefer’s 19 appearances with Florida came as a starter. He finished with a 3-2 record, 4.42 ERA and 1.30 WHIP while holding opposing bats to a .240 batting average. His 60-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio was solid and he only allowed four home runs. His best performance came against Ole Miss, when Sandefer threw seven shutout innings and allowed just two hits and one walk.

There are questions about Sandefer’s fastball, despite a tick up in velocity. He’s reached back for 98 mph but usually sits in the 93-95 mph range. The breaking ball has high spin but and has sweeper tendencies thanks to a low arm slot. His changeup also plays well, and he’s mixing in a cutter. If the fastball plays, the other stuff can reach 60-grade territory.

Los Angeles can try him out as a starter and move him to the bullpen if needed.

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