Sanson
Faltine III

The highest ranked Longhorn at No. 66 in our preseason Top 250, Faltine presents a dilemma for scouts. His power has increased to another level than ever seen previously, but also have his strikeouts. He's not a natural hitter, but has worked hard at improving. And now with 10 HRs, a .297 batting average and a .334 ISO the power has arrived. With ever-improving strength, the slim waisted, yet strong-bodied 6-foot-2, 195 pounder has good bat speed. However, he was off-time and late too often during the series, finishing 1-for-13 with eight strikeouts. These eight KOs bring his season total to a team leading 45 and a very poor 34.3% K rate. His swing/miss struggles of 2022 are nothing new as he also led the Horns in strikeouts with 72 and a 26.5% K rate last season. (Note: anything over 20% in college is a red flag for MLB club data analysts). Faltine has always been highly regarded as one of the top college defenders at shortstop with plus range and on any given play he will show a plus arm. He also has the ability to reach back for a grade more of velo after gathering with a slight pause in the back of his arm path. Overall, Faltine can be a head scratcher – great athlete with ML defensive abilities and power potential at a premium position up the middle vs a much, much too high strikeout rate. The most recent comparable that comes to mind is Casey Martin (Arkansas) who was a 3rd round pick of the Phillies in 2020. Martin had a 31% K rate his junior season and has struggled mightily in pro ball to date with a .198 batting average and a 28% K rate in over 400 plate appearances.

Estimated 6-foot-2, 180-pound athletic, projectable frame. The right-hander throws from a high ¾ slot. His fastball was 89-92 mph early on and settled in at 87-89 mph. He threw a big curveball that was 74-75 mph with 11-5 action and flashed a tighter version of it that was 77-78 mph. He also threw a changeup that was 82-83 mph, flashing late movement down in the zone. 

8.26.18
UT/RHP Sansone “Trey” Faltine III (Fort Bend Travis HS, TX) showed a ton of versatility over the weekend, playing multiple infield position, including shortstop on Sunday. The Texas commit got the start in game one, going only a couple of innings, but showcasing an 86-90 mph fastball, and a mid-to-upper 70’s breaking ball. Stole a couple of bags (2nd & 3rd) after a walk on Sunday, and has the natural baseball actions that should allow him to contribute right away for the Longhorns.

USA Trials
UT/RHP Sammy Faltine (Travis HS, TX) had four hits between the two games. He reached on an infield single in his first at-bat and the squared up a slider down and in for a home run to left field. In the second game, he had two singles to right field, using a compact, inside-out swing.

OF/RHP Sammy Faltine (Travis HS, TX) is a legitimate two-way prospect and has a lean, athletic frame at 6-foot-1, 187 pounds. His fastball was 85-90 and he mixed in a cutting changeup at 80 and a slurvy curveball at 73-76. He pitched 2.1 innings, allowing a run on three hits while striking out three.

Texas commit. Athletic, high-waisted frame at 6-foot-2, 180-pounds. Started in centerfield and led-off for Travis. Had some of the best at bats for the Tigers on the night, reached on an error in his first AB, later scoring. Drove in what would be the winning run in the second with an RBI sac fly to right field. Came in to close out the game, working a quick seventh inning with his fastball sitting 87-89 with good sink and late life.

Underclass Area Code Games - 2019 RHP/SS Sanson Faltine (Richmond Travis HS, TX), a Texas commit, utilized an athletic, uptempo delivery to deliver an 86-88 fastball throughout his four inning appearance that included nine strikeouts. The right-hander has a whippy arm that appears to produce a higher spin rate on his fastball. Faltine’s varied the speed on his 10/4, slurve-type breaking ball at 70-74. At times he would flip the pitch over for a strike, but also showed the ability to throw it harder with more late-breaking, slider shape to get swings and misses. The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder was at his best in his last inning of work as he found a solid rhythm that allowed him to repeat his arm slot.

06.26.17 - Texas recruit. 6-foot-2, 180-pound, lean, athletic, projectable frame. The right-hander has a long, quick, electric arm stroke with his fastball coming in at 88-90 mph and more velocity to come. His delivery is athletic and repeatable with his long-limbed frame. Faltine is an all-around athlete that projects as a two way player at the collegiate level with easy actions at shortstop and the ability to play on the run. Faltine ran a 6.84-second 60 yard dash on the scouts stop watch.

10.1.16
6-foot-2, 170-pound frame. Athletic lean build. Works from a high-¾ slot with clean arm action and athletic delivery. His fastball ranged from 84-86 mph in one inning of work. Threw his slider at 74 mph with good downward action. At shortstop he showed fluid advanced actions for his age with good carry in the arm. Offensively he works from a balanced stance with fluid rhythm, good hand path with pop in the bat. He ran a 6.67 60-yard dash. All around high-level prospect.