Cristian Santana (2024 update)

Physical Description: Medium build, but well put together with muscular and strong backside and thighs, with some room to fill out his upper body.

Hit: 40 (50 in 2023)

Starts with a slightly closed stance and his front heel off the ground, leading to a moderate leg kick and stride. Shows a precocious understanding of the strike zone, but his approach needs work to produce more line drive contact. Can handle breaking balls in the zone, but will chase sliders away. Currently, too selective and seemingly hunts home runs at the expense of more base knocks. Should grow into an average or above-average tool if he can strike the right balance of contact and damage.

Power: 50 (55 in 2023)

Displays above-average raw power despite his young age and relatively small stature, partly due to his all-out, swing-for-the-fences approach. Most home runs come to the pull field, and he may actually outproduce his raw power in games, but that could also result in an unacceptably low batting average.

Speed: 45

Currently, a fringe-average runner. May settle there or drop to a below-average as he matures. Speed and stolen bases aren’t likely to be a big part of his game.

Defense: 45

Has played mostly shortstop and second base, with a bit of third base mixed in. His hands and actions are adequate, but he’s stretched a bit at shortstop due to fringy range and average arm strength. His arm also likely prevents him from playing much third base at higher levels, but he should settle in as a fringe-average or average second baseman.

Arm: 45

Arm strength and accuracy are average, and he can make all the throws from second base, but he’s a little bit stretched when asked to throw from the left side, which leads to rushed, inaccurate throws.

Overall: Few players in the system can match Santana’s mix of hitting potential and power. The key for him to be an average or above-average regular is to find the right mix of patience and hitting ability. He’s currently a bit too passive, but should figure things out in time. Has enough defensive chops to be a solid second baseman, but he’s probably not a shortstop long-term.

2024 Update. (Rogelio Castillo) Cristian Santana was out for more than a month and since his return, Santana continues to struggle at the plate. While he can draw walks, he strikes out too much as teams zero in on his ability to not make contact on offspeed pitching.