Thibodaux native Cam Sanders is still grinding in the minor leagues trying to get his shot at MLB glory.
He is doing so in 2025 with a new team and a new role in the bullpen.
Sanders signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason after being in the Chicago Cubs organization since 2018.
The Pirates have transformed the hard-tossing Sanders into a closer and in 12 appearances at the AA-level, Sanders has been highly effective, posting a 1-0 record with a 0.57 ERA and 8 saves.
Sanders has been a farmhand since graduating E.D. White, pitching JUCO and then enjoying a couple seasons at LSU.
Sanders rose as high as AAA-level with the Cubs, but never got to the Bigs. Sanders’ challenge throughout his pro career is the same as its been in college: throwing strikes.
Opponents have hit just .202 against Sanders in his professional career, but he has 299 walks in 440 professional innings.
This season with the Altoona Curve, Sanders has battled command, walking 11 in 15.2 innings. He has allowed just 4 hits in those innings with opponents hitting just .082 against him. He has 18 strikeouts in his innings.
Sanders throws in the upper 90s and has wicked offspeed stuff. The Pirates hope to evolve Sanders into a guy who gets ahead early in the count and puts hitters away late.
At 28, Sanders knows this could be his last chance to make a run at the Bigs, but he has plus-level stuff and is showing it so far for Altoona.