Cole Sands

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #25 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 40/Medium
  
  Track Record: The younger brother of Cubs minor league lefthander Carson Sands, Cole was a durable starter for three years at Florida State. Sands made his MLB debut as a reliever on May 1, 2022. He struggled through three starts in the Twins rotation a month later and was sent back to Triple-A. He was hit pretty hard both at St. Paul and in return trips to Minnesota, but finished the year with four effective innings of relief to help fellow rookie Louie Varland get his first MLB win.
  
  Scouting Report: Sands has to change hitters' eye levels and keep them off balance, because he doesn't really have a pitch that can dominate a hitter who is looking for it. His below-average four-seam fastball sits 90-93 mph and lacks life, but it does give hitters something they have to look for up in the zone, which helps set up the rest of his arsenal. Everything else--his fringe-average changeup and splitter, and his below-average slider and fringe-average curveball--are trying to get below hitters' bats at the bottom of the zone or to generate weak contact. He's a pitcher who relies heavily on getting ahead in the count. Sands' command is better than his control because he needs to nibble and avoid the heart of the strike zone.
  
  The Future: Sands' best role is likely as an on-call starter who pitches in Triple-A. There's enough variety of pitches and moxie to make successful spot starts or serve as a low-leverage reliever, but his lack of a plus pitch makes it hard for him to stick in a big league rotation long term.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 40. Curveball: 45. Slider: 40. Changeup: 45. Split: 45. Control: 45.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #16 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Sands turned in career bests in strikeout and walk rates during his draft year with Florida State in 2018, turning that into a $600,000 fifth-round bonus. He pitched well at the lower levels in 2019 and in 2021 had another strong season with Double-A Wichita, though his control regressed (1.8 BB/9 in 2019 to 3.9 BB/9).
  
  Scouting Report: In a time where north-south pitching profiles and vertical fastballs sit at the popular table, Sands is a lower three-quarters slot righty with an east-west three-pitch mix. He sits in the 93-94 mph range with his fastball and touches 96, but the pitch has more arm-side running life than carry up in the zone. His secondaries match that movement profile as well. His 78-82 mph curveball has huge raw spin rates (around 2,900 rpm) but is more of a sweeping pitch with lateral movement that he showed good feel to land for strikes. His low-80s changeup also has lateral, fading life that could play off his fastball nicely with about 10 mph of separation, and it’s flashed plus in the past. After showing glimpses of improved command, Sands looks more like a fringe-average strike-thrower which gives him some reliever risk.
  
  The Future: Sands has No. 4 or No. 5 starter upside with improved command, but probably profiles best as a unique look out of the pen.
  
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #11 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: Sands was drafted by the Twins in the fifth round in 2018 after posting career bests in his strikeout and walk rates at Florida State. He didn't pitch in pro ball that season after dealing with biceps tendonitis, but he had a strong pro debut in 2019 when he posted a 2.68 ERA across three levels and reached Double-A Pensacola.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sands has a strong three-pitch mix including a fastball, curveball and changeup. After sitting around 93 mph in 2019, Sands saw his velo climb and averaged 95 mph in 2020. He delivers the ball from a low three-quarters arm slot that gets on hitters fast. Sands was previously most comfortable with a changeup that flashed plus, but he's made progress with a big, sweeping breaking ball. The pitch averages 2,800 revolutions per minute and could turn into a weapon if he can spot it down and in the zone more frequently. Sands walked a tick too many batters in college, but his control has been above-average in pro ball.
  
  THE FUTURE: With improved fastball velocity and a better curveball, Sands has a path to being more than just a back-end starter. He'll spend 2021 in the upper levels and could make his major league debut.
• 
  Ranked Minnesota Twins #21 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Carson Sands, a lefthander who reached low Class A in four seasons with the Cubs, Cole went to Florida State and became the team's ace as a junior. The Twins didn't let him pitch in 2018, shutting him down to let him recover from bicep tendinitis he had that spring. In 2019, his bicep was fine. He did go on the injured list twice thanks to a calf injury and a blister.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sands is a strike-throwing righthander who succeeds thanks to plus control and a plus changeup. His 91-97 mph fastball sits at around 93 mph and is a solid average pitch. His changeup has some fade and sink, diving out of the zone. He needs to further develop his slider and curve, but both show promise. His slider has well-above-average 2,700 rpm spin rate. It has some depth to it, but is inconsistent. His curveball shows high spin rates but is slurvy. Both have promise to be potentially average pitches. His ability to locate and his command gives everything a chance to play up.
  
  THE FUTURE: Sands has a clean delivery, a strong frame and an ability to find the strike zone. It gives him a solid path to being a back-end starter. The effectiveness of his changeup gives him a fallback option as a reliever if his breaking balls don't progress.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #74 prospect in 2018 draft
  Sands was drafted in the 22nd round by the Astros out of high school but unlike his older brother, Carson Sands, a Cubs minor leaguer, he opted not to sign and instead went on to play for his hometown Seminoles. Sands has spent his college career in Florida State's rotation and this season moved to the front of the rotation after ace Tyler Holton was injured on Opening Day. Sands has compiled a solid college track record, including a strong performance in the Cape Cod League. Sands throws his fastball in the low 90s, reaching 95 mph with sinking action. He throws his sharp slider for strikes and he has improved his changeup into a viable third offering. Sands comes right after hitters and locates his fastball well. Listed at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Sands has good size and has been a reliable starter throughout his career. He missed two starts in April due to bicep tendonitis but returned to the mound in the season's final month.
• Ranked #79 prospect in 2015 draft
  Sands was the winning pitcher in Florida's Class 3A state championship game last year, a day after his older brother Carson Sands threw a shutout in the state semifinals. Carson and their North Florida Christian teammate Matt Railey went on to be drafted in the top four rounds, a draft status Cole could match this year. Comparisons between the Sands brothers don't go much farther than their last name, competitive demeanor on the mound and Florida State commitments. While his older brother is a lanky lefthander, Cole Sands is a powerfully built righthander. His fastball sits in the low 90s with sinking action and has touched 95 mph. His secondary stuff is still developing, but he has some feel for a changeup and his slider has made strides since he scrapped his curveball in favor of it. Sands plays third base when he's not pitching, which has meant he's not always as fresh as some other top high school pitchers. He earns praise for his makeup and leadership. Sands is one of the younger players in the draft class and won't turn 18 until after the signing deadline. Despite his age, he doesn't offer much projectability, as he's already solidly built at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 40/Medium
  
  Track Record: The younger brother of Cubs minor league lefthander Carson Sands, Cole was a durable starter for three years at Florida State. Sands made his MLB debut as a reliever on May 1, 2022. He struggled through three starts in the Twins rotation a month later and was sent back to Triple-A. He was hit pretty hard both at St. Paul and in return trips to Minnesota, but finished the year with four effective innings of relief to help fellow rookie Louie Varland get his first MLB win.
  
  Scouting Report: Sands has to change hitters' eye levels and keep them off balance, because he doesn't really have a pitch that can dominate a hitter who is looking for it. His below-average four-seam fastball sits 90-93 mph and lacks life, but it does give hitters something they have to look for up in the zone, which helps set up the rest of his arsenal. Everything else--his fringe-average changeup and splitter, and his below-average slider and fringe-average curveball--are trying to get below hitters' bats at the bottom of the zone or to generate weak contact. He's a pitcher who relies heavily on getting ahead in the count. Sands' command is better than his control because he needs to nibble and avoid the heart of the strike zone.
  
  The Future: Sands' best role is likely as an on-call starter who pitches in Triple-A. There's enough variety of pitches and moxie to make successful spot starts or serve as a low-leverage reliever, but his lack of a plus pitch makes it hard for him to stick in a big league rotation long term.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 40. Curveball: 45. Slider: 40. Changeup: 45. Split: 45. Control: 45.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 40/Medium
  
  Track Record: The younger brother of Cubs minor league lefthander Carson Sands, Cole was a durable starter for three years at Florida State. Sands made his MLB debut as a reliever on May 1, 2022. He struggled through three starts in the Twins rotation a month later and was sent back to Triple-A. He was hit pretty hard both at St. Paul and in return trips to Minnesota, but finished the year with four effective innings of relief to help fellow rookie Louie Varland get his first MLB win.
  
  Scouting Report: Sands has to change hitters' eye levels and keep them off balance, because he doesn't really have a pitch that can dominate a hitter who is looking for it. His below-average four-seam fastball sits 90-93 mph and lacks life, but it does give hitters something they have to look for up in the zone, which helps set up the rest of his arsenal. Everything else--his fringe-average changeup and splitter, and his below-average slider and fringe-average curveball--are trying to get below hitters' bats at the bottom of the zone or to generate weak contact. He's a pitcher who relies heavily on getting ahead in the count. Sands' command is better than his control because he needs to nibble and avoid the heart of the strike zone.
  
  The Future: Sands' best role is likely as an on-call starter who pitches in Triple-A. There's enough variety of pitches and moxie to make successful spot starts or serve as a low-leverage reliever, but his lack of a plus pitch makes it hard for him to stick in a big league rotation long term.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 40. Curveball: 45. Slider: 40. Changeup: 45. Split: 45. Control: 45.
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Sands turned in career bests in strikeout and walk rates during his draft year with Florida State in 2018, turning that into a $600,000 fifth-round bonus. He pitched well at the lower levels in 2019 and in 2021 had another strong season with Double-A Wichita, though his control regressed (1.8 BB/9 in 2019 to 3.9 BB/9).
  
  Scouting Report: In a time where north-south pitching profiles and vertical fastballs sit at the popular table, Sands is a lower three-quarters slot righty with an east-west three-pitch mix. He sits in the 93-94 mph range with his fastball and touches 96, but the pitch has more arm-side running life than carry up in the zone. His secondaries match that movement profile as well. His 78-82 mph curveball has huge raw spin rates (around 2,900 rpm) but is more of a sweeping pitch with lateral movement that he showed good feel to land for strikes. His low-80s changeup also has lateral, fading life that could play off his fastball nicely with about 10 mph of separation, and it&#39s flashed plus in the past. After showing glimpses of improved command, Sands looks more like a fringe-average strike-thrower which gives him some reliever risk.
  
  The Future: Sands has No. 4 or No. 5 starter upside with improved command, but probably profiles best as a unique look out of the pen.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Sands turned in career bests in strikeout and walk rates during his draft year with Florida State in 2018, turning that into a $600,000 fifth-round bonus. He pitched well at the lower levels in 2019 and in 2021 had another strong season with Double-A Wichita, though his control regressed (1.8 BB/9 in 2019 to 3.9 BB/9).
  
  Scouting Report: In a time where north-south pitching profiles and vertical fastballs sit at the popular table, Sands is a lower three-quarters slot righty with an east-west three-pitch mix. He sits in the 93-94 mph range with his fastball and touches 96, but the pitch has more arm-side running life than carry up in the zone. His secondaries match that movement profile as well. His 78-82 mph curveball has huge raw spin rates (around 2,900 rpm) but is more of a sweeping pitch with lateral movement that he showed good feel to land for strikes. His low-80s changeup also has lateral, fading life that could play off his fastball nicely with about 10 mph of separation, and it’s flashed plus in the past. After showing glimpses of improved command, Sands looks more like a fringe-average strike-thrower which gives him some reliever risk.
  
  The Future: Sands has No. 4 or No. 5 starter upside with improved command, but probably profiles best as a unique look out of the pen.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Sands was drafted by the Twins in the fifth round in 2018 after posting career bests in his strikeout and walk rates at Florida State. He didn't pitch in pro ball that season after dealing with biceps tendonitis, but he had a strong pro debut in 2019 when he posted a 2.68 ERA across three levels and reached Double-A Pensacola.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sands has a strong three-pitch mix including a fastball, curveball and changeup. After sitting around 93 mph in 2019, Sands saw his velo climb and averaged 95 mph in 2020. He delivers the ball from a low three-quarters arm slot that gets on hitters fast. Sands was previously most comfortable with a changeup that flashed plus, but he's made progress with a big, sweeping breaking ball. The pitch averages 2,800 revolutions per minute and could turn into a weapon if he can spot it down and in the zone more frequently. Sands walked a tick too many batters in college, but his control has been above-average in pro ball.
  
  THE FUTURE: With improved fastball velocity and a better curveball, Sands has a path to being more than just a back-end starter. He'll spend 2021 in the upper levels and could make his major league debut.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Sands was drafted by the Twins in the fifth round in 2018 after posting career bests in his strikeout and walk rates at Florida State. He didn't pitch in pro ball that season after dealing with biceps tendonitis, but he had a strong pro debut in 2019 when he posted a 2.68 ERA across three levels and reached Double-A Pensacola.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sands has a strong three-pitch mix including a fastball, curveball and changeup. After sitting around 93 mph in 2019, Sands saw his velo climb and averaged 95 mph in 2020. He delivers the ball from a low three-quarters arm slot that gets on hitters fast. Sands was previously most comfortable with a changeup that flashed plus, but he's made progress with a big, sweeping breaking ball. The pitch averages 2,800 revolutions per minute and could turn into a weapon if he can spot it down and in the zone more frequently. Sands walked a tick too many batters in college, but his control has been above-average in pro ball.
  
  THE FUTURE: With improved fastball velocity and a better curveball, Sands has a path to being more than just a back-end starter. He'll spend 2021 in the upper levels and could make his major league debut.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Sands was drafted by the Twins in the fifth round in 2018 after posting career bests in his strikeout and walk rates at Florida State. He didn't pitch in pro ball that season after dealing with biceps tendonitis, but he had a strong pro debut in 2019 when he posted a 2.68 ERA across three levels and reached Double-A Pensacola.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sands has a strong three-pitch mix including a fastball, curveball and changeup. After sitting around 93 mph in 2019, Sands saw his velo climb and averaged 95 mph in 2020. He delivers the ball from a low three-quarters arm slot that gets on hitters fast. Sands was previously most comfortable with a changeup that flashed plus, but he's made progress with a big, sweeping breaking ball. The pitch averages 2,800 revolutions per minute and could turn into a weapon if he can spot it down and in the zone more frequently. Sands walked a tick too many batters in college, but his control has been above-average in pro ball.
  
  THE FUTURE: With improved fastball velocity and a better curveball, Sands has a path to being more than just a back-end starter. He'll spend 2021 in the upper levels and could make his major league debut.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Carson Sands, a lefthander who reached low Class A in four seasons with the Cubs, Cole went to Florida State and became the team’s ace as a junior. The Twins didn’t let him pitch in 2018, shutting him down to let him recover from bicep tendinitis he had that spring. In 2019, his bicep was fine. He did go on the injured list twice thanks to a calf injury and a blister.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sands is a strike-throwing righthander who succeeds thanks to plus control and a plus changeup. His 91-97 mph fastball sits at around 93 mph and is a solid average pitch. His changeup has some fade and sink, diving out of the zone. He needs to further develop his slider and curve, but both show promise. His slider has well-above-average 2,700 rpm spin rate. It has some depth to it, but is inconsistent. His curveball shows high spin rates but is slurvy. Both have promise to be potentially average pitches. His ability to locate and his command gives everything a chance to play up.
  
  THE FUTURE: Sands has a clean delivery, a strong frame and an ability to find the strike zone. It gives him a solid path to being a back-end starter. The effectiveness of his changeup gives him a fallback option as a reliever if his breaking balls don’t progress. BA GRADE 50 Risk: High BA GRADE 50 Risk: High BA GRADE 50 Risk: High
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The younger brother of Carson Sands, a lefthander who reached low Class A in four seasons with the Cubs, Cole went to Florida State and became the team's ace as a junior. The Twins didn't let him pitch in 2018, shutting him down to let him recover from bicep tendinitis he had that spring. In 2019, his bicep was fine. He did go on the injured list twice thanks to a calf injury and a blister.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sands is a strike-throwing righthander who succeeds thanks to plus control and a plus changeup. His 91-97 mph fastball sits at around 93 mph and is a solid average pitch. His changeup has some fade and sink, diving out of the zone. He needs to further develop his slider and curve, but both show promise. His slider has well-above-average 2,700 rpm spin rate. It has some depth to it, but is inconsistent. His curveball shows high spin rates but is slurvy. Both have promise to be potentially average pitches. His ability to locate and his command gives everything a chance to play up.
  
  THE FUTURE: Sands has a clean delivery, a strong frame and an ability to find the strike zone. It gives him a solid path to being a back-end starter. The effectiveness of his changeup gives him a fallback option as a reliever if his breaking balls don't progress.