Nick Sandlin Bio
Nick Howard Sandlin, born on January 10, 1997, is an American professional baseball pitcher known for his unconventional sidearm delivery. He has pitched in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians and Guardians, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Los Angeles Angels, and currently works in the Detroit Tigers organization. Across his major league career, Sandlin has built a reputation as a reliable relief pitcher who thrives in middle and late-inning situations.
Sandlin is widely respected for his durability and his willingness to take the ball in high-leverage spots, often delivering multiple innings in a single appearance. His path from a small town in Georgia to MLB has been defined by consistent development at the college level and a steady climb through Cleveland’s minor league system.
Early Life and Background
Nick Howard Sandlin was born on January 10, 1997, in Evans, Georgia, where he grew up in a supportive family environment. He attended Greenbrier High School, the same program where his older brother, Jake, later played. The Sandlin brothers both developed a love for baseball in Evans, with the sport serving as a central focus of the family.
From a young age, Sandlin stood out for his unusual sidearm delivery, a style that he refined throughout his teenage years. Although he was not heavily recruited out of high school, his performance on the mound drew interest from several college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his education and baseball career at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Path to Baseball
Sandlin enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he played college baseball for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. He pitched under the guidance of the Golden Eagles’ coaching staff, who helped him develop his command and his distinctive delivery. In the summer of 2017, Sandlin played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League, gaining valuable experience against top amateur talent.
His junior year in 2018 marked the breakthrough of his college career. Sandlin won the C Spire Ferriss Trophy, which recognizes the best collegiate baseball player in Mississippi. He was also named Conference USA’s Baseball Pitcher of the Year and received the National Pitcher of the Year Award from Perfect Game and Rawlings. These accomplishments cemented his status as one of the top amateur pitchers in the country heading into the MLB Draft.
Nick Sandlin Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
The Cleveland Indians selected Sandlin in the second round, with the 67th overall pick, of the 2018 MLB Draft. He signed with the Indians and received a $750,000 signing bonus. Sandlin spent the remainder of the 2018 season moving through Cleveland’s farm system, pitching for the Arizona League Indians, the Lake County Captains, the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Akron RubberDucks. Across 24 combined relief innings, he posted a 2-0 record and a 3.00 ERA with 36 strikeouts.
In 2019, Sandlin split the season between Akron and the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, where he went a combined 1-0 with a 2.39 ERA over 26 and one-third innings. A right forearm strain ended his season early in July. He did not appear in any official games in 2020 after Minor League Baseball cancelled its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cleveland Indians / Guardians Breakthrough (2021-2024)
On April 30, 2021, the Cleveland Indians promoted Sandlin to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut on May 1 against the Chicago White Sox, striking out outfielder Adam Eaton for his first major league strikeout. As a rookie, he made 34 relief appearances and posted a 2.94 ERA with 48 strikeouts across 33 and two-thirds innings.
Sandlin continued to grow as a key bullpen arm for Cleveland in 2022, appearing in 46 games out of the bullpen and finishing with a 5-2 record, a 2.25 ERA, and 41 strikeouts over 44 innings. In 2023, he appeared in 61 games, logging a 5-5 record and a 3.75 ERA with 66 strikeouts over 60 innings. His most productive major league season came in 2024, when he made 68 appearances, went 8-0, and registered a 3.75 ERA with 68 strikeouts and one save across 57 and two-thirds innings.
Toronto Blue Jays Era (2025)
On December 10, 2024, Cleveland traded Sandlin, alongside infielder Andrés Giménez, to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Spencer Horwitz and Nick Mitchell. He made 19 appearances for Toronto, going 0-2 with a 2.20 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and one save across 16 and one-third innings. On July 8, 2025, the Blue Jays placed him on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation, and he was transferred to the 60-day injured list on September 1. Sandlin was removed from the 40-man roster in November 2025 and sent outright to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons before electing free agency.
Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers (2026-Present)
On January 26, 2026, Sandlin signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels and was assigned to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. He opened the year with a 1.42 ERA across five appearances before the Angels selected his contract on April 12, adding him to their active roster. He made eight appearances for Los Angeles but struggled to an 0-1 record and an 11.42 ERA before being designated for assignment on May 4. After clearing waivers, Sandlin elected free agency on May 6, and on May 10, 2026, he signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sandlin is recognized across baseball for his sidearm delivery, which produces a difficult angle for opposing hitters and helps him generate ground balls and weak contact. He pairs that unique arm slot with a calm, controlled mound presence, allowing him to handle high-leverage relief situations. His ability to log multiple innings per outing has made him a valuable complementary piece in every bullpen he has joined.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sandlin’s first major league strikeout of Adam Eaton on May 1, 2021, marked the official start of his MLB career. He earned a perfect 8-0 record during the 2024 season, a milestone that highlighted his value to the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen. His trade to the Toronto Blue Jays in December 2024 also represented a major career moment, signaling Cleveland’s belief in younger bullpen options.
Nick Sandlin Career Wins
Nick Howard Sandlin has compiled a steady record of team success through consistent relief appearances across multiple organizations. His 19 career major league wins, through early May 2026, have come in high-volume bullpen roles, particularly during his tenure with the Cleveland Guardians.
Cleveland Guardians Highlights
Sandlin recorded the majority of his major league wins with Cleveland, highlighted by his perfect 8-0 record in 2024 across 68 appearances. He also went 5-2 in 2022 and 5-5 in 2023, anchoring middle relief for one of the American League’s most active bullpens. His first major league victory came during his 2021 rookie season with the Indians.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside of Cleveland, Sandlin has yet to record a major league win with the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, or Detroit Tigers. His minor league success, including a 2-0 combined record in 2018 and a 1-0 mark in 2019, helped pave the way for his MLB opportunity.
Nick Sandlin Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Nick Howard Sandlin grew up in Evans, Georgia, alongside his older brother, Jake Sandlin. Both brothers played baseball at Greenbrier High School and later at the University of Southern Mississippi. Their shared journey through the same high school and college programs helped shape Nick’s early development as a pitcher.
Personal Life
Sandlin’s personal life has remained largely outside the public spotlight. His close relationship with his brother Jake has remained a constant throughout his career, with both Sandlins pursuing the game of baseball at the highest levels. He continues to focus on his professional career as he works toward securing another major league opportunity.
2025 Season Performance
Sandlin’s 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays began as a fresh opportunity following his December 2024 trade. He made 19 appearances out of the bullpen and posted a strong 2.20 ERA across 16 and one-third innings, though he finished with an 0-2 record. His early-season work helped stabilize middle relief for Toronto before a right elbow inflammation issue in July forced him onto the injured list.
The Blue Jays transferred him to the 60-day injured list in September, ending his major league season early. In November 2025, Toronto removed him from the 40-man roster and sent him outright to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, after which he elected free agency. His 2025 performance showed that he remained a capable major league reliever when healthy, even though injuries limited his overall impact.