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Patrick Sandoval 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Backed Up Breakout and Is Still Undervalued
2 years agoIn 2021, Patrick Sandoval had a 3-6 W-L record, 3.62 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 94 Ks (87.0 IP) and then had an ADP of 198 for the 2022 season. Last year, Sandoval had a 6-9 W-L record, 2.91 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 151 Ks (148.2 IP) and now has an ADP of ~217. It's not often a pitcher can post a sub-3.00 ERA and still fall down draft boards, yet that is the case. And there is merit to that given Sandoval had a 3.91 xERA, 3.67 xFIP and 3.94 SIERA while his 9.4% BB% ranked in the 28th percentile. On the positive side, Sandoval's 47.7% GB% was higher than the league average (44.9%) despite dropping from 51.1% in 2021 and his 23.7% K% ranked in the 57th percentile. Sandoval also limits hard contact with a Barrel% ranking in the 76th percentile and a HardHit% ranking in the 79th percentile, both being similar to his 2021 numbers. Given Sandoval's xFIP and SIERA last year were both lower than in 2021, it seems a surprise that he is going later in drafts than he did last year, even after missing a month with a back injury. It's fair to expect regression on Sandoval's ERA but even then, he's a fine option to fill out your rotation in the later rounds.
