Jose De Los Santos

JOSE DE LOS SANTOS
SHORTSTOP
Born: February 17, 1985
Height: 5′ 11″
Weight: 160
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int. FA, Pittsburgh Pirates, 2004
How Acquired: Int. FA
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

The Pirates signed de los Santos out of the Dominican and he was considered a prospect for a while. He has very good speed and is an excellent defensive player, with good range and athleticism, and a very strong arm. The issue has always been his bat. He’s strictly a slap hitter and has never had any power.

2006: After two years in DSL, served as GCL Pirates’ regular SS in 2006. Batted leadoff and did decent job of getting on base. Baseball America stated that he took up switch-hitting in 2006, but the roster at MiLB.com has continued to show him as a RH hitter, as does the Pirates’ media guide, and I haven’t seen him hit LH. Got year-end promotion to Williamsport.

2007: Probably was slated to return to Williamsport, but instead moved from extended spring training to Hickory when Angel Gonzalez was promoted to Lynchburg. Obviously was overmatched with the bat in SAL. Must have gotten hurt, as he played in only one game after July.

2008: With Brian Friday skipping low A and going to Lynchburg, de los Santos opened 2008 at SS at Hickory. Made some progress at plate, as he started trying to work the count and did fairly good job of getting on base. When Friday went out with back problems, de los Santos moved up to Lynchburg, where he struggled.

2009: Back at Lynchburg, hit about the same as always. The one area of significant improvement was base stealing. Played second for much of the season, then after Chase d’Arnaud moved up from West Virginia, played mainly in center.

2010: Opened season as utility player at Altoona, but also spent time filling in during injury epidemic at Bradenton. Hitting was worse than ever at both locations. Played every infield and outfield position for Altoona except first, although he played left much more than any other. For Bradenton, played mainly second.

De los Santos is eligible for minor league free agency, so he likely won’t return.

STATS
Baseball Reference
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2010: Minor League Contract

    PLAYER INFORMATION
    Signing Bonus: N/A
    MiLB Debut: 2004
    MLB Debut: N/A
    MiLB FA Eligible: Eligible
    MLB FA Eligible: N/A
    Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
    Added to 40-Man: N/A
    Options Remaining: 3 (USED: N/A)
    MLB Service Time: 0.000
    TRANSACTIONS
    February 19, 2004: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.