Pirates
Pirates Draft Signings: Second-Rounder Wyatt Sanford

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed their second-round draft Wyatt Sanford, who was taken with the 47th pick.
Sanford, an infielder out of Independence High School in Texas, was rated as MLB Pipeline’s 35th-best prospect available in this year’s draft. He was named a second-team All-American during his senior season and was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year in in District 10-5A.
The surehanded Sanford projects to be a strong defender at shortstop at the next level due to his range, athleticism and above-average arm. According to Pipeline’s scouting report, he has the ability to play a number of different positions across the diamond.
“Defensively, he’s really smooth on the dirt,” said Pirates amateur scouting director Justin Horowitz following day one of the draft. “Really believe he’s going to handle shortstop at the next level, for sure. And he can run a little bit too. Another kid we are super-excited about.”
While there isn’t much doubt in his defensive abilities, his offense isn’t quite as polished. Pipeline gives Sanford’s bat a ’50’ on the 20-80 scouting scale with below-average power, which they have as a 45-grade.
The Pirates feel his offense is trending upwards.
“Left-handed hitter that makes a lot of contact. He’s still projectable,” said Horowitz. “He added a lot of strength going into the winter and into the spring, starting to show a little bit more power.”
Sanford received an overslot deal of $2.5 million, according to Pipeline’s Jim Callis. The slot value for the 47th pick was just under $2 million.
Sanford’s dad, Chance played in 14 games for the Pirates in 1998. He was drafted by the Pirates in both 1991-92.
The Pirates have now signed 16 of their 21 draft selections.