Junior Santos Stats & Scouting Report

IP	52.1
ERA	4.99
WHIP	1.43
BB/9	4.47
SO/9	7.74

Full name Junior Rafael Santos
Born 08/16/2001 in Santiago, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 6'7" / Wt.: 244 / Bats: R / Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Mets don't typically splurge on international amateur pictures, but they made an exception for the 6-foot-7 Santos, signing him for $275,000 out of the Dominican Republic when he was 16 in 2018. He eased into a pro workload in his initial pro seasons and missed the alternate training site in 2020 with a broken foot, but in the past two seasons only Jose Butto has thrown more innings in the Mets' system. Santos spent 2022 in the High-A Brooklyn rotation, where his fielding-independent numbers look much better than his 4.47 ERA.

Scouting Report: Santos uses his height to his advantage to drive his 93-95 mph sinker--up to 98--down in the strike zone with tailing life to his arm side. Just two minor league pitchers with at least 100 innings had a higher groundball rate than Santos' 59% mark. Just three allowed fewer home runs per nine innings. He throws a mid-80s slider that flashes plus and accounts for a majority of his swings and misses. He has less conviction in a high-80s straight changeup that has some sinking life. Santos has a loose arm but below-average athleticism and control.

The Future: If Santos moves to the bullpen, it's possible his velocity could spike to triple digits. Many see relief as his future role as he approaches the big leagues.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 65. Slider: 55. Changeup: 40. Control: 45.
Track Record: Santos signed at age 16 in 2017, then spent 2018 and 2019 in short-season leagues. He broke his foot in 2020, which prohibited him from working off a mound even at the alternate training site when the season was canceled. Santos showed durability in 2021, when he tossed 96 innings at Low-A St. Lucie in his most extended pro look.

Scouting Report: Santos has a distinguishing 6-foot-7, near 250-pound frame, but he has not separated from the pack with his overall stuff or command. Santos pitches at 93 mph with good two-seam run and tops at 97 in some starts. He had little trouble throwing his fastball for strikes even with the automated balls and strikes in use in Low-A Southeast. Putting batters away was more of a challenge. Santos gets caught in between on his breaking pitch, a low-80s slider with downer action. He had tried a curveball in the past, but it didn’t fit with his lower three-quarters arm slot. Santos throws a firm changeup in the mid 80s that lacks action and hasn’t been successful at keeping lefthanded hitters at bay. Despite his size, Santos is quick to the plate and good at holding baserunners.

The Future: Some scouts think Santos could one day start at the back of a rotation. Others see more of a swingman role as a possibility. A lot depends on how well he sharpens his breaking pitch.
TRACK RECORD: Santos signed for $275,000 about six weeks after turning 16 in 2017. His 6-foot-8 frame helped him stand out instantly in the Dominican Summer League and then again when he jumped to the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2019, where he struck out 36 in 40.2 innings as a 17-year-old. Santos broke his foot preparing for the 2020 season and spent the year working on strength and conditioning rather than working off a mound.

SCOUTING REPORT: Santos' height helps create extension in his delivery that aids him in terms of perceived velocity, but it hinders him when it comes to syncing his delivery, throwing strikes and holding baserunners. He pitches at 90-94 mph and hits 95, but his body has room to fill out and carry greater velocity. Santos needs to develop a trusted secondary pitch. His slurvy high-70s breaking ball has aboveaverage spin and could become a weapon if he learns to stay on top of the pitch. Learning to repeat his delivery will help Santos realize better fastball command and consistency with his breaking ball.

THE FUTURE: Santos' injury precluded him from being considered for the alternate training site, and he spent the fall working out at Dominican instructional league. His tantalizing combination of height and projectability make him a rotation prospect, but high-leverage relief is a possibility if he doesn't learn to throw more strikes. He could be ready for low Class A.
TRACK RECORD: Mets international scouts don't typically recommend signing 16-year-old pitchers for large bonuses, but they made an exception for Santos, a 6-foot-8 righthander from Santiago in the mountainous northern region of the Dominican Republic. He signed for $275,000 in 2017 and two years later was impressing scouts and managers as an 18-year-old in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. The teenager worked on tight pitch counts, never topping 73 pitches or 4.1 innings in a start for Kingsport.

SCOUTING REPORT: Santos embodies all the positive and negative attributes that come with a pitcher of his extreme height. He gets over his front side well and releases the ball closer to home plate than most pitchers thanks to the plus extension in his delivery. Syncing his long levers, repeating his arm action and holding baserunners are challenges for Santos, as they are for most extra tall pitchers. Santos is a strong, flexible athlete who easily generates 90-94 mph velocity and peaks at 95. His frame has room to add weight, giving him the potential to hold and possibly add velocity. Santos throws a slurvy breaking ball in the high 70s that has above-average spin and swing-and-miss potential, especially as he learns to stay on top of the ball more consistently. He needs to fine-tune his fastball command and develop his changeup.

THE FUTURE: Both the Mets and outside observers rave about Santos' work ethic and coachability, which coupled with his ease of operation gives him at least a chance to remain in the rotation. If control and command shortfalls force him to the bullpen, he has the potential to be a high-leverage reliever. Santos won't turn 19 until mid-August of 2020, so his Opening Day assignment is up in the air.
Track Record: The Mets don't typically invest heavily in 16-year-old international pitchers, but they made an exception for Santos, who they viewed as the steal of the 2017 international signing class when they inked him in September of that year for $275,000. He pitched effectively in the Dominican Summer League in 2018 as a 16-year-old in his pro debut.

Scouting Report: Santos was 6-foot-6 when he signed but quickly grew another two inches. Despite his height, he shows the plus body control and athleticism to throw consistent strikes. He pitched at 93-95 mph for much of 2018 before wearing down late and pitching more at 91-93, albeit with plus extension and spin. He muscled up to 97 mph in side sessions and could sit in the mid-90s consistently when he matures. Santos needs to improve the power and break on his high-70s slider by keeping his fingers on top of the ball as he delivers it. The pitch features promising spin and movement. He also throws a promising mid-80s changeup with two-seam fastball action.

The Future: Santos is driven to improve and has outstanding makeup, making him one of the most intriguing pitching prospects at the lower levels of the system.

Minor League Top Prospects

One of the youngest pitchers in the Appalachian League after turning 18 on Aug. 16, Santos is a huge, 6-foot-8, 218-pound righthander with exciting upside. His physicality and fastball velocity are the two biggest tools he possesses, with a heater that reaches the 94-95 mph range and should continue to improve as he develops. This season, the Mets monitored the righthander’s innings closely—he threw more than three innings in just one of his 14 starts—and worked on consistently spotting his fastball. Santos’ final stat line belies his effectiveness throughout the year, as his final three outings were a struggle, but he posted a 3.52 ERA through his first nine innings. Santos’ breaking ball is inconsistent at the moment, showing swing-and-miss potential on some days and a below-average offering on others, and he rarely threw a changeup this summer. "The potential is unlimited for him,” one Appy League manager said. "He hasn’t scratched the surface. I like his work ethic and attitude. Everyone talks about his size and his velocity, but his work ethic is A-plus.”

Scouting Reports

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Mets don't typically splurge on international amateur pictures, but they made an exception for the 6-foot-7 Santos, signing him for $275,000 out of the Dominican Republic when he was 16 in 2018. He eased into a pro workload in his initial pro seasons and missed the alternate training site in 2020 with a broken foot, but in the past two seasons only Jose Butto has thrown more innings in the Mets' system. Santos spent 2022 in the High-A Brooklyn rotation, where his fielding-independent numbers look much better than his 4.47 ERA.

Scouting Report: Santos uses his height to his advantage to drive his 93-95 mph sinker--up to 98--down in the strike zone with tailing life to his arm side. Just two minor league pitchers with at least 100 innings had a higher groundball rate than Santos' 59% mark. Just three allowed fewer home runs per nine innings. He throws a mid-80s slider that flashes plus and accounts for a majority of his swings and misses. He has less conviction in a high-80s straight changeup that has some sinking life. Santos has a loose arm but below-average athleticism and control.

The Future: If Santos moves to the bullpen, it's possible his velocity could spike to triple digits. Many see relief as his future role as he approaches the big leagues.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 65. Slider: 55. Changeup: 40. Control: 45.
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Mets don't typically splurge on international amateur pictures, but they made an exception for the 6-foot-7 Santos, signing him for $275,000 out of the Dominican Republic when he was 16 in 2018. He eased into a pro workload in his initial pro seasons and missed the alternate training site in 2020 with a broken foot, but in the past two seasons only Jose Butto has thrown more innings in the Mets' system. Santos spent 2022 in the High-A Brooklyn rotation, where his fielding-independent numbers look much better than his 4.47 ERA.

Scouting Report: Santos uses his height to his advantage to drive his 93-95 mph sinker--up to 98--down in the strike zone with tailing life to his arm side. Just two minor league pitchers with at least 100 innings had a higher groundball rate than Santos' 59% mark. Just three allowed fewer home runs per nine innings. He throws a mid-80s slider that flashes plus and accounts for a majority of his swings and misses. He has less conviction in a high-80s straight changeup that has some sinking life. Santos has a loose arm but below-average athleticism and control.

The Future: If Santos moves to the bullpen, it's possible his velocity could spike to triple digits. Many see relief as his future role as he approaches the big leagues.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 65. Slider: 55. Changeup: 40. Control: 45.
BA Grade: 45/High

Track Record: Santos signed at age 16 in 2017, then spent 2018 and 2019 in short-season leagues. He broke his foot in 2020, which prohibited him from working off a mound even at the alternate training site when the season was canceled. Santos showed durability in 2021, when he tossed 96 innings at Low-A St. Lucie in his most extended pro look.

Scouting Report: Santos has a distinguishing 6-foot-7, near 250-pound frame, but he has not separated from the pack with his overall stuff or command. Santos pitches at 93 mph with good two-seam run and tops at 97 in some starts. He had little trouble throwing his fastball for strikes even with the automated balls and strikes in use in Low-A Southeast. Putting batters away was more of a challenge. Santos gets caught in between on his breaking pitch, a low-80s slider with downer action. He had tried a curveball in the past, but it didn&#39t fit with his lower three-quarters arm slot. Santos throws a firm changeup in the mid 80s that lacks action and hasn&#39t been successful at keeping lefthanded hitters at bay. Despite his size, Santos is quick to the plate and good at holding baserunners.

The Future: Some scouts think Santos could one day start at the back of a rotation. Others see more of a swingman role as a possibility. A lot depends on how well he sharpens his breaking pitch.
Track Record: Santos signed at age 16 in 2017, then spent 2018 and 2019 in short-season leagues. He broke his foot in 2020, which prohibited him from working off a mound even at the alternate training site when the season was canceled. Santos showed durability in 2021, when he tossed 96 innings at Low-A St. Lucie in his most extended pro look.

Scouting Report: Santos has a distinguishing 6-foot-7, near 250-pound frame, but he has not separated from the pack with his overall stuff or command. Santos pitches at 93 mph with good two-seam run and tops at 97 in some starts. He had little trouble throwing his fastball for strikes even with the automated balls and strikes in use in Low-A Southeast. Putting batters away was more of a challenge. Santos gets caught in between on his breaking pitch, a low-80s slider with downer action. He had tried a curveball in the past, but it didn’t fit with his lower three-quarters arm slot. Santos throws a firm changeup in the mid 80s that lacks action and hasn’t been successful at keeping lefthanded hitters at bay. Despite his size, Santos is quick to the plate and good at holding baserunners.

The Future: Some scouts think Santos could one day start at the back of a rotation. Others see more of a swingman role as a possibility. A lot depends on how well he sharpens his breaking pitch.
TRACK RECORD: Santos signed for $275,000 about six weeks after turning 16 in 2017. His 6-foot-8 frame helped him stand out instantly in the Dominican Summer League and then again when he jumped to the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2019, where he struck out 36 in 40.2 innings as a 17-year-old. Santos broke his foot preparing for the 2020 season and spent the year working on strength and conditioning rather than working off a mound.

SCOUTING REPORT: Santos' height helps create extension in his delivery that aids him in terms of perceived velocity, but it hinders him when it comes to syncing his delivery, throwing strikes and holding baserunners. He pitches at 90-94 mph and hits 95, but his body has room to fill out and carry greater velocity. Santos needs to develop a trusted secondary pitch. His slurvy high-70s breaking ball has aboveaverage spin and could become a weapon if he learns to stay on top of the pitch. Learning to repeat his delivery will help Santos realize better fastball command and consistency with his breaking ball.

THE FUTURE: Santos' injury precluded him from being considered for the alternate training site, and he spent the fall working out at Dominican instructional league. His tantalizing combination of height and projectability make him a rotation prospect, but high-leverage relief is a possibility if he doesn't learn to throw more strikes. He could be ready for low Class A.
TRACK RECORD: Santos signed for $275,000 about six weeks after turning 16 in 2017. His 6-foot-8 frame helped him stand out instantly in the Dominican Summer League and then again when he jumped to the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2019, where he struck out 36 in 40.2 innings as a 17-year-old. Santos broke his foot preparing for the 2020 season and spent the year working on strength and conditioning rather than working off a mound.

SCOUTING REPORT: Santos' height helps create extension in his delivery that aids him in terms of perceived velocity, but it hinders him when it comes to syncing his delivery, throwing strikes and holding baserunners. He pitches at 90-94 mph and hits 95, but his body has room to fill out and carry greater velocity. Santos needs to develop a trusted secondary pitch. His slurvy high-70s breaking ball has aboveaverage spin and could become a weapon if he learns to stay on top of the pitch. Learning to repeat his delivery will help Santos realize better fastball command and consistency with his breaking ball.

THE FUTURE: Santos' injury precluded him from being considered for the alternate training site, and he spent the fall working out at Dominican instructional league. His tantalizing combination of height and projectability make him a rotation prospect, but high-leverage relief is a possibility if he doesn't learn to throw more strikes. He could be ready for low Class A.
TRACK RECORD: Santos signed for $275,000 about six weeks after turning 16 in 2017. His 6-foot-8 frame helped him stand out instantly in the Dominican Summer League and then again when he jumped to the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2019, where he struck out 36 in 40.2 innings as a 17-year-old. Santos broke his foot preparing for the 2020 season and spent the year working on strength and conditioning rather than working off a mound.

SCOUTING REPORT: Santos' height helps create extension in his delivery that aids him in terms of perceived velocity, but it hinders him when it comes to syncing his delivery, throwing strikes and holding baserunners. He pitches at 90-94 mph and hits 95, but his body has room to fill out and carry greater velocity. Santos needs to develop a trusted secondary pitch. His slurvy high-70s breaking ball has aboveaverage spin and could become a weapon if he learns to stay on top of the pitch. Learning to repeat his delivery will help Santos realize better fastball command and consistency with his breaking ball.

THE FUTURE: Santos' injury precluded him from being considered for the alternate training site, and he spent the fall working out at Dominican instructional league. His tantalizing combination of height and projectability make him a rotation prospect, but high-leverage relief is a possibility if he doesn't learn to throw more strikes. He could be ready for low Class A.
TRACK RECORD: Mets international scouts don’t typically recommend signing 16-year-old pitchers for large bonuses, but they made an exception for Santos, a 6-foot-8 righthander from Santiago in the mountainous northern region of the Dominican Republic. He signed for $275,000 in 2017 and two years later was impressing scouts and managers as an 18-year-old in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. The BA GRADE 45 Risk: Medium BA GRADE 50 Risk: High BA GRADE 55 Risk: Extreme teenager worked on tight pitch counts, never topping 73 pitches or 4.1 innings in a start for Kingsport.

SCOUTING REPORT: Santos embodies all the positive and negative attributes that come with a pitcher of his extreme height. He gets over his front side well and releases the ball closer to home plate than most pitchers thanks to the plus extension in his delivery. Syncing his long levers, repeating his arm action and holding baserunners are challenges for Santos, as they are for most extra tall pitchers. Santos is a strong, flexible athlete who easily generates 90-94 mph velocity and peaks at 95. His frame has room to add weight, giving him the potential to hold and possibly add velocity. Santos throws a slurvy breaking ball in the high 70s that has above-average spin and swing-and-miss potential, especially as he learns to stay on top of the ball more consistently. He needs to fine-tune his fastball command and develop his changeup.

THE FUTURE: Both the Mets and outside observers rave about Santos’ work ethic and coachability, which coupled with his ease of operation gives him at least a chance to remain in the rotation. If control and command shortfalls force him to the bullpen, he has the potential to be a high-leverage reliever. Santos won’t turn 19 until mid-August of 2020, so his Opening Day assignment is up in the air.
TRACK RECORD: Mets international scouts don't typically recommend signing 16-year-old pitchers for large bonuses, but they made an exception for Santos, a 6-foot-8 righthander from Santiago in the mountainous northern region of the Dominican Republic. He signed for $275,000 in 2017 and two years later was impressing scouts and managers as an 18-year-old in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. The teenager worked on tight pitch counts, never topping 73 pitches or 4.1 innings in a start for Kingsport.

SCOUTING REPORT: Santos embodies all the positive and negative attributes that come with a pitcher of his extreme height. He gets over his front side well and releases the ball closer to home plate than most pitchers thanks to the plus extension in his delivery. Syncing his long levers, repeating his arm action and holding baserunners are challenges for Santos, as they are for most extra tall pitchers. Santos is a strong, flexible athlete who easily generates 90-94 mph velocity and peaks at 95. His frame has room to add weight, giving him the potential to hold and possibly add velocity. Santos throws a slurvy breaking ball in the high 70s that has above-average spin and swing-and-miss potential, especially as he learns to stay on top of the ball more consistently. He needs to fine-tune his fastball command and develop his changeup.

THE FUTURE: Both the Mets and outside observers rave about Santos' work ethic and coachability, which coupled with his ease of operation gives him at least a chance to remain in the rotation. If control and command shortfalls force him to the bullpen, he has the potential to be a high-leverage reliever. Santos won't turn 19 until mid-August of 2020, so his Opening Day assignment is up in the air.
One of the youngest pitchers in the Appalachian League after turning 18 on Aug. 16, Santos is a huge, 6-foot-8, 218-pound righthander with exciting upside. His physicality and fastball velocity are the two biggest tools he possesses, with a heater that reaches the 94-95 mph range and should continue to improve as he develops. This season, the Mets monitored the righthander’s innings closely—he threw more than three innings in just one of his 14 starts—and worked on consistently spotting his fastball. Santos’ final stat line belies his effectiveness throughout the year, as his final three outings were a struggle, but he posted a 3.52 ERA through his first nine innings. Santos’ breaking ball is inconsistent at the moment, showing swing-and-miss potential on some days and a below-average offering on others, and he rarely threw a changeup this summer. "The potential is unlimited for him,” one Appy League manager said. "He hasn’t scratched the surface. I like his work ethic and attitude. Everyone talks about his size and his velocity, but his work ethic is A-plus.”