Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 65 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 40

The Rays preached patience with Santana even after selecting him 31st overall and signing him for $2 million out of south Florida’s Doral Academy in the 2023 Draft. They were impressed by the switch-hitting, slick-fielding shortstop’s defensive ability and a pre-Draft workout in which he hit well from both sides of the plate and drove four or five balls out of the park during batting practice. The Rays pushed him last year, assigning him to Single-A Charleston for his full-season debut despite him being a slightly built 18-year-old, and the results were about what they expected.

Santana has shown the speed, baserunning acumen and hitting mechanics to add value offensively, although he hit just .240/.300/.305 over 103 games for Charleston last year. That much was no surprise to the Rays, considering he was dealing with the grind of his first full season against more experienced pitchers while still needing to fill out his 5-foot-11 frame. But he did impress on the bases despite his low OBP, stealing 51 bags while only being caught nine times, and his 15.8 percent strikeout rate reflects his solid bat-to-ball skills. It also stood out that Santana played 103 games, likely more than expected, and had his best offensive months in July (.782 OPS) and August (.648 OPS).

Santana is an exceptional athlete and an excellent defender, likely behind only Carson Williams and Gregory Barrios in the Rays’ system in terms of his ability on the dirt. He has outstanding range with strong hands and clean footwork, with a plus arm to make all the throws he needs to make across the infield. His severely limited power will be an issue until he’s more physically developed, and it might further delay his progression if he can’t hit enough to move up the system. But the Rays know a thing or two about developing defensive-minded shortstops, and they will continue to be patient with this one.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 65 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45

The Rays generally take an open-minded approach to talent evaluation -- especially in the Draft -- but a switch-hitting and slick-fielding shortstop is kind of their type. Santana, coming from Doral Academy in south Florida, further impressed the Rays during a pre-Draft workout in which he hit well from both sides of the plate and drove four or five balls out of the park during batting practice. Santana left that workout feeling like he’d wind up with the Rays, and sure enough, they called his name with the 31st overall pick and signed him for $2 million.

Santana is a premium athlete with the potential to be a special baserunner and up-the-middle defender. He has enough bat-to-ball skills and smooth enough hitting mechanics to hold his own at the plate, even though his ability to hit for power will be severely limited until he fills out his 5-foot-11 frame. He’s also an excellent runner, even in a system with some true top-of-the-scale speed, which adds value to his offensive profile.

Santana’s defense is his other strong suit. He’s got tremendous range at shortstop with strong hands and clean footwork, and his plus arm delivers strong and accurate throws across the infield. This year will challenge him, as he’ll be facing older and more experienced pitchers while dealing with the physical and mental grind of his first full season, so a successful season for him might not look the same as it would for a prospect of his caliber. His development might require some patience, but the Rays bet on Santana for a reason.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 80 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50

Back in 2017, Christian Santana was a solid high school pitching prospect in south Florida who was taken in the 15th round out of American Heritage by the Milwaukee Brewers before going on to Florida International. Now it’s his younger brother Adrian’s turn. The shortstop from Doral Academy surpassed the elder Santana's Draft position, hearing his name called by the Rays 31st overall in July and signing for $2 million.

Santana is a premium athlete with quick-twitch actions. A switch-hitter, he comes with some questions about how impactful his bat will be. He does have a solid setup and not a lot of moving parts when he’s in the box, leading some to feel like he’s going to be able to hit for average. He needs to add strength to his 5-foot-11 frame, but he should be able to grow into more extra-base authority in the future.

A top-of-the-scale runner who recorded some of the fastest 60-yard times on the summer showcase circuit, Santana leaves no questions regarding his ability to play shortstop for a very long time. He has a good release and carry on his throws to go along with excellent range, hands and footwork. The Rays haven’t lacked infield depth for years and should know how to get the most of Santana’s skillset in the coming years.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 80 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50

Back in 2017, Christian Santana was a solid high school pitching prospect in south Florida who was taken in the 15th round out of American Heritage by the Milwaukee Brewers before going on to Florida International. Now it’s his younger brother Adrian’s turn, and the shortstop from Doral Academy has a very good chance of far surpassing big bro’s Draft stock.

Santana is a premium athlete with quick-twitch actions. A switch-hitter, he comes with some questions about how impactful his bat will be. He does have a solid setup and not a lot of moving parts when he’s in the box, leading some to feel like he’s going to be able to hit for average. He needs to add strength to his 5-foot-11 frame, but he should be able to grow into more extra-base authority in the future.

A top-of-the-scale runner who recorded some of the fastest 60-yard times on the summer showcase circuit, Santana leaves no questions regarding his ability to play shortstop for a very long time. He has a good release and carry on his throws to go along with excellent range, hands and footwork. How high the Miami recruit climbs on Draft boards will depend on how scouts see his bat, and the team thinking he can be an everyday shortstop will take him pretty early.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/29/2025	Bowling Green Hot Rods activated SS Adrian Santana from the 7-day injured list.
	08/18/2025	Bowling Green Hot Rods placed SS Adrian Santana on the 7-day injured list.
	04/01/2025	SS Adrian Santana assigned to Bowling Green Hot Rods.
	03/07/2025	SS Adrian Santana assigned to Tampa Bay Rays.
	03/06/2025	activated SS Adrian Santana.
	04/02/2024	SS Adrian Santana assigned to Charleston RiverDogs from FCL Rays.
	03/24/2024	SS Adrian Santana assigned to Tampa Bay Rays.
	03/07/2024	Tampa Bay Rays Prospects activated SS Adrian Santana.
	08/03/2023	SS Adrian Santana assigned to FCL Rays.
	08/03/2023	FCL Rays activated SS Adrian Santana.
	07/21/2023	Tampa Bay Rays signed SS Adrian Santana.
	06/02/2023	SS Adrian Santana assigned to College Workout.
	05/22/2023	SS Adrian Santana assigned to College Workout.
	05/18/2022	SS Adrian Santana, , , and assigned to High School Workout.
	05/18/2022	High School Workout activated SS Adrian Santana.
	05/18/2022	High School Workout activated SS Adrian Santana.