Prospect Santos 'electric' in Spring Breakout start
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Malcolm Moore knew Winston Santos was locked in before he even threw a pitch. In the second annual Spring Breakout game, Santos -- the Rangers’ No. 5 prospect, per MLB Pipeline -- was throwing to Moore, the Rangers’ No. 4 prospect and highest-ranked catcher. The battery more
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Malcolm Moore knew Winston Santos was locked in before he even threw a pitch.
In the second annual Spring Breakout game, Santos -- the Rangers’ No. 5 prospect, per MLB Pipeline -- was throwing to Moore, the Rangers’ No. 4 prospect and highest-ranked catcher. The battery more than delivered in a 5-5 tie vs. Giants prospects.
Santos cruised through his Spring Breakout start, tossing three perfect frames with six strikeouts: four swinging, one looking and one via pitch timer violation. He threw an efficient 37 pitches, 26 for strikes with 12 whiffs.
“You don't get a guy locked in like that very often,” Moore said. “When you do, you like to catch that. You wish everybody was like that every time, honestly. It's fun, because it doesn't really matter what I put down. He's just going to do it and it's going to get the guy out.
“You could see it when he was warming up. You can kind of just see it in the way it's coming out of his hand, and the way that he’s going about his business and the confidence that he has. It's a whole body confidence. … He was electric.”
When asked if Moore was correct in his assumption, Santos said he did feel locked in because he prepared as well as possible beforehand. He felt ready to do his job from the jump.
“I’ve learned a lot this spring and I’ve been enjoying making adjustments and I'm just ready to go,” Santos said through interpreter Nick Janssen. “I made some small changes to improve my control [last season] and I just enjoy the game. I just want to keep learning. Those adjustments helped me. I just want to keep building and getting better.”
His professional debut was delayed due to the pandemic, but there were high expectations both internally and externally. He threw just 33 innings in 2021 before posting a 3.49 ERA in 108 1/3 innings with Single-A Down East in 2022.
Santos is part of the latest crop of Rangers pitching prospects looking to turn the tide on the organizational perception regarding pitching development.
There’s Cody Bradford, who ingrained himself in the big league rotation before an injury this spring, the Vandy Boys duo of Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker knocking on the door as we speak, and then Santos and Emiliano Teodo -- who cleaned up a bases-loaded jam in relief in Spring Breakout -- headlining the next group of homegrown starting pitchers.
“We've talked a lot about our pitching pipeline, our pitching development practices, and we're not all the way there yet,” general manager Ross Fenstermaker said earlier this week. “We feel like we've created quite a decent-sized group in terms of guys that can come up and help contribute here in the near future. I feel like in some ways, [Teodo] has become too famous with what he's done here in camp, and Winston is right behind him as well.”
Santos was signed for just $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in the Rangers’ 2019-20 international class, and it’s been an improbable rise and fall and rise again for him in the following years.
But then he struggled to a 6.29 ERA in 98 2/3 innings with High-A Hickory in 2024 before finally showing his full potential in 2024.
He boasted a 3.67 ERA between Hickory and Double-A Frisco last season, leading the farm in wins (11) and strikeouts (138 in 110 1/3 innings). He pitched in the All-Star Futures Game and was added to the Rangers’ 40-man roster this offseason.
Frisco manager Carlos Cardoza, who also managed the Spring Breakout game, raved about Santos last season and is even higher on the 22-year-old now.
“I see an electric fastball and improvement in his secondary stuff,” Cardoza said. “Once he was able to get the slider underneath the bats, it just kind of took off from there. That's between the lines. I think what stood out the most was his professionalism and how steadfast and committed he was to his routine and his body and his work between starts.”
“We’re seeing all see the fruits of the labor that's been put in the last couple of years and the kind of synergy that exists between the different departments [in pitching development]. Ross has said it: It’s not a finished product by any means, but it's certainly a bright spot with what the system is doing.”
Atlanta Braves Set Gwinnett Stripers’ 2025 Opening Day Roster
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today the Gwinnett Stripers’ roster to open the 2025 International League season. Gwinnett’s 150-game schedule begins on Friday, March 28 with the opener of a three-game series at the Charlotte Knights.
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 24
The Atlanta Braves get ready to wrap up spring training games this week with the regular season beginning on Thursday. They approach the end of spring on a hot streak, going unbeaten in all but one game last week. Here’s an overview of who’s stood out this past week: Former
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 17
The Atlanta Braves have wrapped up eight more spring training games in addition to the highly anticipated Spring Breakout Game against Detroit. Atlanta came away with just a pair of wins during the week, but many former and potential Stripers got the chance for additional reps. Here’s an overview of
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 10
The second week of Spring Training saw the Atlanta Braves win just one of six games while tying twice, bringing its overall record to 7-5 in Grapefruit League play. Many former and future Gwinnett Stripers have had the chance to play for the big-league club. Here’s an overview of who’s
Stripers Alums Mejia, Waddell Selected to Braves' Spring Breakout Roster
Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for its 2025 Spring Breakout, the second-annual Spring Training showcase of top prospects from all 30 big-league organizations. The Atlanta Braves' 24-player roster for their March 16 Spring Breakout game includes a pair of Gwinnett Stripers alums, pitcher Ian Mejia and infielder Luke
Gwinnett Stripers Announce 2025 Promotions Schedule
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers announced today their Promotions Schedule for 2025, the team’s 16th season at Coolray Field. The full calendar of giveaways, fireworks shows, theme nights, special appearances, and weekly promotions awaiting fans can be viewed now at GoStripers.com/promotions. This year’s slate of giveaways is highlighted by
Stripers Unite Braves Country for Coca-Cola® Preseason Party on March 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – All levels of Braves Country will unite at Coolray Field on Sunday, March 2 as the Gwinnett Stripers host the annual Coca-Cola® Preseason Party. The Stripers will welcome the mascots and promotions teams of the Atlanta Braves, Columbus Clingstones (Double-A), Rome Emperors (High-A), and Augusta GreenJackets (Class-A)
Atlanta Braves Announce Gwinnett Stripers’ 2025 Coaching Staff
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today their minor league coaching staffs for the 2025 season. The Gwinnett Stripers will be led by manager Kanekoa Texeira (2nd season), pitching coach Wes McGuire (1st season), bullpen coach Craig Bjornson (2nd season, 1st since 2023), hitting coach Dan DeMent (2nd season),
Gwinnett Stripers Now Hiring Gameday Staff for 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers are now accepting applications for gameday staff for the 2025 season. Online applications can be submitted now at GoStripers.com/jobs, and an in-person Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Suite Lounge at Coolray Field. Individuals
Gwinnett Stripers and Chopper the Groundhog Announce Groundhog Day Celebration for February 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In honor of Chopper the Groundhog – the only groundhog mascot in professional sports – the Gwinnett Stripers are planning a full and festive day on Sunday, February 2 that includes the launch of single-game ticket sales for the first half of the 2025 season. Chopper will
Gwinnett Stripers, Gray Media Partner for 30-Game Broadcast Schedule on Peachtree Sports Network
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Following the successful launch of a 13-game broadcast schedule in 2024, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced a continuation and expansion of their partnership with Gray Media to air select home games on Peachtree Sports Network (PSN) during the 2025 season. The Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta
Gwinnett Stripers Celebrate Holiday Season with New Holiday Packs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Just in time for last-minute holiday shoppers, the Gwinnett Stripers have rolled out one of the most affordable options for any sports fan. Put the excitement of live baseball in your stocking with a Stripers Holiday Pack, on sale now through December 31. Each Holiday Pack includes:
Gwinnett Stripers’ Veterans Pack Available November 8-11
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In observance of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced the return of the Veterans Pack for the 2025 season. Veterans Packs are available to all service members and their dependents and may be purchased online at GoStripers.com. Packs are on sale for a limited time only,
Gwinnett Stripers Partnering with The Salvation Army for Non-Perishable Food Drive During “Flick or Treat” on October 26
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items during the team’s annual “Flick or Treat” event (presented by Century Communities) at Coolray Field from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. Attendees are encouraged to bring
Gwinnett Stripers’ Bryce Elder Selected to 2024 International League All-Star Team
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB) announced today the league awards and All-Star teams for both Triple-A leagues, the International League and the Pacific Coast League. Gwinnett Stripers right-hander Bryce Elder was selected to the 2024 International League All-Star Team as one of four Starting Pitchers. The 25-year-old Elder
2024 Gwinnett Stripers: Year in Review
The 15th season of Triple-A baseball in Gwinnett County has officially concluded with the Gwinnett Stripers finishing the 2024 campaign with a 72-78 record. Although the Stripers were unable to secure a Triple-A championship, they played an indispensable role for the Atlanta Braves as the parent club navigated a challenging
Stripers Stifled 5-1 in Season Finale at Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A.J. Smith-Shawver struck out 10 batters over 6.0 innings but also yielded four home runs as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-78) finished the 2024 season with a 5-1 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (73-76) on Sunday afternoon at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: Dane Myers hit solo
Four-Run Second Sinks Elder, Stripers in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (72-76) struck for four runs on five hits in the second inning against Bryce Elder and rode that frame to a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (72-77) on Saturday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Bennett Hostetler homered and drove in three for
Missed Opportunities Cost Stripers in 3-2 Loss to Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luke Williams homered and Drue Hackenberg tossed 5.2 one-run innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (72-76) went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (71-76) on Friday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville scored its three runs on a wild
Stripers Ride Six-Run First Inning to 9-4 Triumph in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luis Liberato launched a three-run home run to cap a six-run first inning and Luke Waddell lined a two-run single in the ninth to put the game away as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-75) earned a wire-to-wire 9-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-76) on Thursday night
Stripers Lose 7-3 in Jacksonville Despite Anderson’s Quality Start
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Ian Anderson struck out five over 6.0 one-run innings for the Gwinnett Stripers (71-75) on Wednesday night, but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-75) scored six runs off the bullpen to win 7-3 at 121 Financial Ballpark. The final series of the year is tied at 1-1. Decisive
Albies Belts Three-Run Homer as Stripers Slip Past Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Beginning a rehab assignment for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Ozzie Albies went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run to lead the Gwinnett Stripers (71-74) to a 4-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (69-75) at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: The game remained scoreless until the
Stripers' Offense Reemerges to Back Smith-Shawver's Quality Start in 6-2 Win Over Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves No. 2 prospect AJ Smith-Shawver turned in a sparkling start for the Gwinnett Stripers (35-34) to set the stage for an offensive resurgence to close the curtain on Coolray Field this season with a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Bisons (30-38) on Sunday afternoon at
Stripers' Offense Out of Rhythm Again in 4-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-34) were once again stymied offensively by the Buffalo Bisons (30-37) in a 4-1 loss on Saturday night at Coolray Field. Gwinnett has lost four-straight games. Decisive Plays: The Stripers scored first on an RBI sacrifice fly by Luke Williams in the third inning.
Offensive Woes Continue in 3-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Bryce Elder opened with 5.0 scoreless innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (34-33) did not score until the ninth inning in a frustrating 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Bisons (29-37) on Friday night at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: Buffalo broke through in the sixth inning on an RBI