Dalton Sawyer

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #31 prospect in 2018
  Sawyer didn't become a full-time starter at Minnesota until his senior season of 2016. He flourished in the role (3.33 ERA, 112 strikeouts in 94.2 innings over 16 starts), and the A's took him in the ninth round. The Twins had selected him in the 27th round the previous year. The A's kept the lefty in the bullpen with short-season Vermont in 2016 but then made him a starter in 2017. Again, Sawyer thrived in the role: With three teams, he went a combined 9-9, 3.58 with 140 strikeouts in 130.2 innings. Though he spent most of 2017 with low Class A Beloit and high Class A Stockton, he had two starts--one solid, one not--for Triple-A Nashville. Sawyer dominated lefthanded hitters in 2017 (they hit .100 against him), but righthanded hitters batted .268 and accounted for all 18 homers he allowed. He won't come close to enjoying the success of Boston's Chris Sale, but Sawyer's delivery does draw comparisons to Sale's. Sawyer's fastball sits around 90 mph and his changeup is solid. The A's believe Sawyer needs to improve his breaking ball. He figures to begin 2018 with Double-A Midland.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #137 prospect in 2016 draft
  Before Sawyer's college career really got started, it was almost over. He was involved in a serious car accident in June 2013 while pitching in the Northwoods League that left him with a concussion, collapsed lung and a broken rib. Thankfully he made a full recovery and returned to the Northwoods League the next summer, although this time against his coaches' recommendations. The 6-foot-5 lefthander ended up battling a tired arm during his junior year as he lost his starting job. The Twins drafted Sawyer in the 27th round but he did not sign. He's pitched much better in his return to Minnesota, helping lead the Gopher to the regular season Big 10 title as the club's ace. Pitching from a very closed setup and a lower arm-slot, Sawyer has a fluid delivery, although with some effort and a long arm action in the back. He battles his delivery at times as his control wavers. He will quick-pitch on occasion to try to mess with hitters and he holds runners well. Sawyer can dominate when he's locating thanks to a 90-93 mph fastball that will touch a little higher, an average low-80s slider and a fringe-average 80-81 mph changeup with some drop. Sawyer's career has had ups and downs and his control is still a concern, but as a big lefty with solid stuff and success, he will be quickly drafted as a senior sign.

• December, 2015 Scouting Report
  Before Sawyer's college career really got started, it was almost over. He was involved in a serious car accident in June 2013 while pitching in the Northwoods League that left him with a concussion, collapsed lung and a broken rib. Thankfully he made a full recovery and returned to the Northwoods League the next summer, although this time against his coaches' recommendations. The 6-foot-5 lefthander ended up battling a tired arm during his junior year as he lost his starting job. The Twins drafted Sawyer in the 27th round but he did not sign. He's pitched much better in his return to Minnesota, helping lead the Gopher to the regular season Big 10 title as the club's ace. Pitching from a very closed setup and a lower arm-slot, Sawyer has a fluid delivery, although with some effort and a long arm action in the back. He battles his delivery at times as his control wavers. He will quick-pitch on occasion to try to mess with hitters and he holds runners well. Sawyer can dominate when he's locating thanks to a 90-93 mph fastball that will touch a little higher, an average low-80s slider and a fringe-average 80-81 mph changeup with some drop. Sawyer's career has had ups and downs and his control is still a concern, but as a big lefty with solid stuff and success, he will be quickly drafted as a senior sign.