Dodgers Ink Former Florida Pitcher Russell Sandefer for $434,000

Former Florida Gator Baseball pitcher Russell Sandefer is officially headed to the pros.

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the right-handed pitcher in the fourth round of the MLB draft last weekend. Selected No. 132 overall, the Tampa native was assigned a slot value of $575,300. After signing Friday with the Dodgers, he agreed to a professional contract worth $434,000. The deal is valued at $141,300 below the assigned draft slot value.

Sandefer was the third Florida Gator to be selected in the first four rounds of the draft.

Debuting in the season opener at the Florida vs. UAB game on Feb. 13, Sandefer left a solid impression on MLB teams at the Condron Ballpark. In his lone season at the UF, Sandefer pitched in 19 games, highlighted by 12 starts. 

He finished off with a 3-2 record, 4.42 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He had a total of 60 strikeouts and 57 innings. Sandefer reached career highs against Ole Miss with seven innings and 11 strikeouts while scattering two hits. 

Sandefer also played a part in the 2026 NCAA Gainesville Regional All-Tournament Team, contributing 5 2/3 scoreless innings in the game against Rider University and the Gators victory of 8-7. 

Sandefer transferred to the Gators following his sophomore year at the University of Central Florida; he was projected as the No. 3 weekend starter and ranked as Baseball America’s No. 63 impact transfer. He held a 3.38 ERA and struck out 49 batters across his six starts and 18 total appearances. He spent his freshman season at St. Leo. He had a record of 5-2 and a 3.38 ERA with eight starts and 11 total appearances. 

Sandefer now joins a growing list of Florida arms getting a shot at the next level. The first chapter of his professional career starts this summer, likely in Arizona or Southern California with one of the organization’s rookie affiliates.

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