Scouting grades 20–80
55Fastball
50Slider
50Changeup
45Control
Sarmiento steadily climbed boards this summer after adding a few ticks of velocity and performing well across multiple premier events. There’s plenty to like about the overall profile. He’s a lean, athletic 6-foot-4, 180-pound left-hander with considerable physical projection still remaining.
Off the mound it’s a funky look with a steep, over-the-top angle. Sarmiento operates with a low pulse, getting down the mound well and creating good extension with his long limbs. The fastball has only touched 93 mph at this stage, living in the upper-80s across longer stints with some cut-ride action. It’s a pitch that plays up due to favorable release traits and shape, and one that most expect will take a jump between now and draft day given Sarmiento’s immense projection.
The slider is a solid offering that can take on multiple shapes at times in the low-80s with above-average spin rates and sharp break. Sarmiento will also mix in a mid-80s changeup with fade that he’ll deploy mostly to right-handed hitters.
Sarmiento has at times had trouble with command and syncing up his long limbs. Most expect the command and control to take strides forward as Sarmiento continues to grow into his frame. As it stands, he’s an outstanding athlete with room to take multiple more jumps forward in the future, especially as he gets exposed to better development.
If Sarmiento didn’t already appeal to evaluators, he’ll also be just 17.9 years old on draft day, adding another layer of intrigue to an already exciting profile.
