Through four rounds in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs have selected two college infielders and two right-handed starting pitchers. Their fourth round pick is Will Sanders, who pitched at the University of South Carolina during his college career.
Sanders, 21, put up solid numbers through his first two seasons with South Carolina, recording a 3.54 ERA in 53.1 innings as a freshman and a 3.43 ERA in 89.1 innings in his second year with the Gamecocks.
Standing at 6-foo-6, 230 pounds, Sanders is an imposing figure on the mound. However, he doesn’t necessarily have an overpowering fastball. He struggled in 2023, as he ended the season with a 5.46 ERA in 62.2 innings, which hurt his draft stock.
MLB prospect analyst Jim Callis mentioned how Sanders was looked as a potential first round pick heading into the 2023 season.
Sanders also missed the end of his junior season because of a foot injury.
Via MLB.com.
Sanders’ difficulties have stemmed largely from his inability to miss bats with his fastball, which sits at 92-94 mph and peaks at 96 but catches too much of the plate and lacks life when he doesn’t command it up in the zone. His secondary pitches are all solid, including a mid-80s changeup that tumbles and fades and keeps left-handers at bay. He favors his low-80s curveball over his mid-80s slider, both of which have depth, and he can land both for strikes.
Sanders’ size helps him create extension and angle that make life more difficult for hitters. Despite his long limbs, he keeps his mechanics in sync and provides a reliable amount of strikes, though his control has slipped a bit in 2023. He still can gain more strength but his biggest need is to improve the movement and command with his fastball.
