Signed in January of 2022, Yordany De Los Santos reached Single-A the following year at just 18, but struggled to hit his way out of the level.
He broke through a bit in 2025, leading the Florida State League in hits, finishing fifth in home runs, and then swiping a career-high 51 stolen bases. His 11 home runs were more than he had hit in the rest of his career combined.
Although it took him over 700 plate appearances to hit his way out of Bradenton, De Los Santos will still be just 21 when the 2026 regular season begins. He is a slick defender, with the range and arm to play shortstop, and is one of the better infield gloves in the system.
The tools are there, but he continues to struggle with chasing out of the zone, and the overall contact rates continue to be below average. There is still time to take that next step, but the hit tool has yet to see a noticeable step forward in that regard.
He should start in Greensboro to begin 2026. How far past that he gets will depend on how much contact he makes.