The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted prep shortstop Wyatt Sanford with their second round pick, 47th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. Sanford, drafted out of Independence HS in Texas, with a commitment to Texas A&M, was rated 42nd overall by Baseball America and 35th overall by MLB Pipeline.
Wyatt Sanford, SS, Independence HS (Tex.)
Age: 18 | DOB: 11/24/2005 | HT: 6′ 1″ | WT: 175 | B/T: L/R
2024 Stats
No Stats Available
The History
Sanford is the son of former big leaguer Chance Sanford, who made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 1998, after being drafted by them two years in a row — the 27th round in 1992, and the 10th round in 1991.
The Tools
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Sanford.
Hit (50): Sanford is a contact hitter who doesn’t project for a lot of power. He controls the strike zone well, with good swing decisions, a gap-to-gap aproach, and a stance that is geared toward contact.
Power (40+): He projects for fringy to below-average power, with the chance to hit double-digit homers every year. He’s increased his bat speed and gotten stronger this year, despite having an approach geared toward contact.
Run (60): He’s a plus runner, emerging as a threat on the bases this year, with consistent plus run times.
Field (60): Sanford is graded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the 2024 draft, projecting as a future big league shortstop with positive value. He moves well in all directions, with good hands, glove work, and arm strength.
Arm (55): His arm grades above-average, allowing him to stick at shortstop.
Overall (50+): Sanford is a defense-first shortstop who projects to have positive value at shortstop. His bat will determine if he’s a utility player or a starter. He could develop into a contact hitter with plus speed on the bases. The Pirates will have the opportunity to try and develop some power from the young infielder.
