2019 MLB Draft: Red Sox select Texas P signee Sammy Faltine in 39th round

Yet another member of David Pierce’s 2019 class will now weigh a professional future versus playing on the Forty Acres, as the Boston Red Sox selected Texas Longhorns signee Sammy Faltine in the 39th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Nothing short of a versatile talent from the pitcher position, Faltine was a four-year starter at Richmond Travis, where he’s seen stints at all nine positions on the diamond. Along the way, Faltine earned All-State honors as a sophomore and more recently, was named team MVP as a junior.

“I only know Trey as ‘Sammy’ but I know he is one of the best two-way players in the country and will shine in college as a position player and a right-handed pitcher,” Pierce said of Faltine when he signed with Texas in mid-November. “He is very mature and will be able to handle the responsibilities that come with leadership. Sammy has been a part of elite baseball throughout the country and will excel at Texas. I’m excited to watch his development and growth on the 40 Acres.”

BON’s Evan Kirschner further detailed what Faltine brings to the table as an MLB prospect:

“A favorite sleeper in the early rounds by many MLB scouts this year, Faltine can do a little bit of everything and is more impressive because of his versatility rather than any one standout tool. Faltine has capably played almost everywhere around the diamond. He’s a legitimate two-way player who shows feel on the mound and a solid approach at the plate. As a pitcher, he doesn’t wow with overpowering stuff, but his average, 88-91 mph fastball (he can touch 92-93 mph) locates well, it’s a high-spin pitch, and has solid, natural cut. His curveball has excellent shape and, like his fastball, also locates it well. He’s toyed with a changeup and he’s added an 82-84 mph slider that shows above-average potential. As a pitcher, Faltine’s stuff may end up getting better if teams bet on his athleticism, and his feel will help him survive as he works to improve, but many teams like him better as a position player. Faltine’s best hope as a hitter is to play either shortstop or center field — he’s spent time at both spots. However, he lacks elite speed, relying more on his defensive IQ in the outfield and his first step and good hands at shortstop. Faltine has average raw power at best right now, and his swing is more contact-based. Faltine’s versatility means he’s not a refined defender at any position yet, but his feel for the game and excellent body control gives plenty of reasons to believe that the best is yet to come once he focuses on either hitting or pitching and picks a position.”

The Longhorns could certainly benefit from Faltine’s services as a potential two-way star, and after sliding all the way to the 39th round, the odds of Faltine intimately suiting up at Texas seem favorable.