‘Finding a happy medium’: Pirates prospect Sanford using Fall League to become a more complete hitter

Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect Wyatt Sanford is using his stint with the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League to refine his offensive approach. The 20-year-old shortstop aims to balance contact and newly added power after missing two months during the 2026 season due to a broken hand.

Sanford hit 19 home runs across High-A Greensboro despite playing only 77 games following the injury. He is working to lower his strikeout rate and regain the contact skills he showed when drafted, while also gaining defensive reps after previously facing groin and hand issues.