Pirates Top Prospects No. 9: Can Slick-Fielding Wyatt Sanford Become All-Around Player?

This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.

The Pittsburgh Pirates used their second-round pick in the 2024 draft on Wyatt Sanford, a prep shortstop from Independence High School in Frisco, Texas.

Sanford’s father, Chance, played 14 games for the Pirates in 1998 and recorded his first big-league hit that season.

Regarded as one of the best defensive shortstops in last year’s draft, Sanford signed an over-slot deal for a tick under $2.5 million to join the Pirates and forgo a college commitment to Texas A&M.

Sanford easily projects as a shortstop long-term and is a good athlete, giving him versatility to play other positions. Scouts rave about his abilities at shortstop, aided by both a plus-run tool and an above-average arm.

“Defensively, he’s really smooth on the dirt,” said Pirates’ scouting director Justin Horowitz after the draft. “Really believe he’s going to handle shortstop at the next level, for sure. And he can run a little bit too.”

While there are no real questions in terms of his defense or ability on the bases, his bat isn’t quite as polished.

As of right now, the soon-to-be 19-year-old possesses more gap power than true home run ability, but he did show more strength during his senior year of high school and performed well with a wood bat last fall.

While power remains a question mark for Sanford, he’s said to already show an advanced approach at the plate in terms of swing decisions and contact ability.

Still, the Pirates are optimistic that they’ll be able to help him tap into more power as he starts his professional career next season.

“Left-handed hitter that makes a lot of contact,” said Horowitz. “He’s still projectable. He added a lot of strength going into the winter and into the spring, starting to show a little bit more power.”

With already elite defense and excellent speed, Sanford’s stock could soar if he’s able to silence any critics with his performance at the plate.