Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

Sometimes you have to throw someone in the deep end to see how they swim. That’s what the Pirates did with De Los Santos, who had signed with the organization in January 2022 for $1.2 million as one of the top prospects in that signing class. The Florida Complex League wasn’t enough of a challenge during his United States debut, so he quickly got bumped up to be one of the youngest regulars in the full-season Florida State League. The numbers may not be pretty, but the Pirates were thrilled with how the young infielder handled the experience.

De Los Santos' tools are exciting, but his maturity, baseball IQ and instincts are really through the roof, a huge reason why the organization knew he could handle the bump to Bradenton. He may eventually have elite bat-to-ball skills, though his strikeout rate did escalate quickly up a level. He is capable of making loud contact with high exit velocities and has shown feel for the strike zone, with confidence there will be more impact and less swing-and-miss as he progresses. His bat speed and the ability to add strength point to more power to come.

It's unclear whether De Los Santos will be able to stick at shortstop long term. He has a good arm and those instincts help, but he’ll have to be a bit more twitchy to stay at the premium position. He’s seen time at third base throughout his brief pro career, and it’s possible he’ll end up at the hot corner permanently down the line, which will put a little more pressure on the bat to be impactful.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

The Pirates were very active during the 2022 international signing period, handing out 14 bonuses of six figures or higher. De Los Santos, ranked No. 12 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects list at the time, led the class with his $1.2 million bonus. He then went out and had a solid debut in the Dominican Summer League to whet the Pirates’ appetite.

A strong and physical infielder, De Los Santos has the chance to be an impact hitter from the right side of the plate. His surface numbers in the DSL don’t jump off the page, but the metrics underneath, things like his exit velocity, did stand out. He has a good idea of what he’s doing at the plate, especially for someone his age, drawing walks and limiting strikeouts. There’s bat speed and strength to come, which could mean plenty of power.

Right now, De Los Santos is rangy and athletic, and the Pirates saw improvement in his defense last year. He’ll be given a chance to play shortstop for as long as he shows he can handle it, though there’s some reason to believe he’s going to fill out and slow down, which could necessitate a move to third, a spot he saw some time at during his pro debut.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55 

It’s easy to see why De Los Santos is one of the most appealing international prospects on the market.

First of all, he’s a right-handed hitter with a large frame and a nice offensive package at a premium position. He makes enough impact and barrels balls enough to make some evaluators think he could hit in the middle of the lineup in the big leagues one day.

On defense, he moves well around the diamond and displays solid actions with plus arm potential. There’s a chance he could outgrow the position and move to third base because of his size, but he’s expected to stay at shortstop as long as he can handle the position.

While his speed may not be part of his game -- at least initially -- the teen shows proper running mechanics and instincts to run the bases. Overall, he has a projectable body with lots of room to add size and strength. 

The teenager trains with Hector Evertz, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, in the Dominican Republic. The Pirates are the favorite to sign him.

Awards

FCL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

FCL Player of the Month

Month	Team
05/2024

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/30/2024	SS Yordany De Los Santos assigned to Bradenton Marauders from FCL Pirates.
	04/01/2024	SS Yordany De Los Santos assigned to FCL Pirates from Bradenton Marauders.
	03/16/2024	SS Yordany De Los Santos assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates.
	03/07/2024	Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects activated SS Yordany De Los Santos.
	09/30/2023	Bradenton Marauders activated SS Yordany De Los Santos.
	09/30/2023	Bradenton Marauders activated SS Yordany De Los Santos.
	08/31/2023	Bradenton Marauders transferred SS Yordany De Los Santos to the Development List.
	08/31/2023	Bradenton Marauders transferred SS Yordany De Los Santos to the Development List.
	07/04/2023	SS Yordany De Los Santos assigned to Bradenton Marauders from FCL Pirates.
	06/05/2023	SS Yordany De Los Santos assigned to FCL Pirates.
	04/27/2023	Pirates Organization activated SS Yordany De Los Santos.
	03/02/2023	SS Yordany De Los Santos and assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates.
	06/05/2022	SS Yordany De Los Santos assigned to DSL PIT Gold.
	01/15/2022	Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent SS Yordany De Los Santos to a minor league contract.