Hurler Who Went Viral From Pitching Ninja Videos Inks New Deal With Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals made a fun signing as they prepare for a pivotal 2024 season. With that being said, it likely won't mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things.
St. Louis took a chance on a minor-leaguer who had not pitched in a professional game since 2016 last winter after he went viral on Twitter. He'll now get another opportunity.
"(The) success story for Logan Sawyer continues," The Athletic's Katie Woo tweeted Tuesday. "He has re-signed a MiLB deal with St. Louis with an invite to spring training. Sawyer, who works HVAC in the offseason, was unsigned entering the year but gained exposure through PitchingNinja and eventually signed with St. Louis."
For those who are confused, PitchingNinja -- whose name actually is Rob Friedman -- is a well-known pitching analyst who frequently posts pitching highlights. Freidman promoted Sawyer's 100 mph and "nasty off-speed," which reportedly led to his original contract last offseason.
Sawyer's Cinderella story has not gotten off to a story-book start. The 30-year-old posted a 5.21 ERA with a 59-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .278 batting average against and 1.47 WHIP in 48 1/3 innings for Double-A Springfield. Sawyer was promoted to Triple-A Memphis late in the season, where he allowed six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.
The big right-hander has the physical tools to become a quality big leaguer but has yet to put it all together. He'll get another shot to strut his stuff out there next season.
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