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.”
Kloud 7 Yacht Club Headlines Keesler Federal Park Upgrades for 2025
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the former Kloud 7 Sky Box at Keesler Federal Park will undergo extensive renovations prior to the Shuckers’ 10th anniversary season in 2025 and be renamed the Kloud 7 Yacht Club. The upgrades continue a multi-year renovation at Keesler Federal Park,
Shuckers Announce 2025 Promotions, Giveaway and Theme Nights
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced daily promotions, giveaways and theme nights for the team’s 10th anniversary season, set to begin at Keesler Federal Park on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clingstones. The promotional schedule is highlighted by multiple premium giveaways, including a Shuckers
Shuckers-Pearl River Set to Meet in Exhibition Clash on Wednesday, April 2 in Biloxi
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced a 7-inning exhibition game against the Pearl River Community College Wildcats on Wednesday, April 2 at Keesler Federal Park at 6:35 p.m. The match-up marks the third consecutive year that the two teams will meet in a 7-inning exhibition game and will
Spring Notebook Part III | One Step Closer to Opening Day
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set
Spring Notebook Part II | Time to Breakout!
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set
Shuckers Spring Training Notebook Part 1
From March 13-20, the “Voice of the Shuckers”, Javik Blake, will be at Brewers Spring Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Including interviews and videos across the Shuckers' social media channels, he’ll also publish Spring Training Notebooks throughout the trip, highlighting the top moments, quotes and videos as the team gets set
9 Former Shuckers Selected for Brewers 2025 Spring Breakout Roster
BILOXI, MS – Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball announced today on MLB Network the Milwaukee Brewers roster for the 2nd annual Spring Breakout, with nine former Biloxi Shuckers named to the roster. The Brewers' top prospects will compete on Sunday, March 16 at 6:40 p.m. CT against the
Beach Chickens, King Cakes Set to Return in 2025, First Promotions Revealed
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced today that the Biloxi Beach Chickens and Biloxi King Cakes will return in 2025, continuing after a highlight-filled 2024 season at Keesler Federal Park. The Shuckers will transform into the King Cakes on Saturday, April 12, Saturday, May 24 and Saturday, June
Single-Game Tickets Now On Sale for Shuckers 10th Anniversary Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that single-game tickets are now on sale for all 69 home games at Keesler Federal Park for the 2025 season, the team’s 10th-anniversary campaign. The Shuckers will begin their home slate on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clingstones.
National Anthem Tryouts Set for Saturday, March 22 at Keesler Federal Park
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers will be hosting auditions to perform the National Anthem during the 2025 season on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Keesler Federal Park. Those wishing to audition can enter the ballpark and check in at the north gate. Performers are
Shuckers to Honor 10th Anniversary Season with Commemorative Logo
BILOXI, MS – In celebration of the Biloxi Shuckers' 10th season on the Coast, the team has announced a commemorative 10th-anniversary logo. The logo will appear on merchandise as well as the team’s home and blue alternate jerseys in 2025. Fans can purchase commemorative 10th-anniversary shirts in blue or coral
Battle at the Beach Returns to Keesler Federal Park with Top High School Talent
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the Battle at the Beach High School Baseball Tournament will return to Keesler Federal Park for six games over three days featuring some of the top talent on the Coast. Games will take place on Friday, March 7, Thursday, March 13
Junior Journalism Program Returns for Shuckers' 10th Anniversary Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers are excited to announce the return of their Junior Journalism Program ahead of the team’s 10th anniversary season in 2025. The program, which began in 2024, is designed to highlight and promote the best student-led sports journalism on the Coast. Student organizations and individual
Keesler Federal Park Nominated as a USA Today Readers' Choice 10Best Minor League Ballpark
BILOXI, MS – USA TODAY announced today that the home ballpark of the Biloxi Shuckers, Keesler Federal Park, has been selected as a nominee for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Minor League Ballpark. Voting begins on Monday, February 17th at 11 a.m. CT and ends on
Shuckers Announce Front Office Promotions and Additions for 2025 Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced multiple additions and promotions in preparation for the team’s 10th anniversary season, which begins on Friday, April 4 on the road against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos before the home opener on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m. against the Columbus Clingstones at
Ayrault Returns as Manager, Brewers Announce Shuckers Complete 2025 Staff
BILOXI, MS – The Milwaukee Brewers have announced the coaching staff for the Biloxi Shuckers' 10th anniversary season in 2025, headlined by the return of Joe Ayrault as the team’s manager. Ayrault, entering his second season, will be joined by hitting coach Kevin Martir (1st season with Biloxi), pitching coach
Southern Miss, Nicholls Set to Meet in Biloxi for Hancock Whitney Classic
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the Southern Miss Golden Eagles will return to Biloxi for a second consecutive season, taking on the Nicholls Colonels on Tuesday, March 25 at 6:05 p.m. as part of the Hancock Whitney Classic. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. Southern Miss
Mississippi State Set to Return to Biloxi for Two-Game Hancock Whitney Classic
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the Mississippi State Bulldogs will return to Biloxi for the 2025 Hancock Whitney Classic on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, March 12 at 5:00 p.m. against the Old Dominion Monarchs and Nicholls Colonels. Gates will open one hour
Clubhouse Manager Craig Thomas, Groundskeeper Trey Bowman Earn Southern League Honors
BILOXI, MS – Minor League Baseball announced today that Biloxi Shuckers’ staff members, Craig Thomas and Trey Bowman, have been honored as the Southern League Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year and Head Groundskeeper of the Year. The pair becomes the first Shuckers clubhouse manager and groundskeeper to earn honors.
Pratt Earns MiLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award® at Shortstop
BILOXI, MS – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. announced on Monday that Biloxi Shuckers infielder Cooper Pratt was named the 2024 MiLB Rawlings Gold Glove Award® winner at shortstop. It marks the third consecutive year a Shuckers player has won the award, with Pratt joining Jeferson
Shuckers Announce Full Schedule, First Pitch Times for 10th Anniversary Season
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball, have announced the team’s full 2025 schedule and home game times, which features 138 games, including 69 games at Keesler Federal Park during the Shuckers 10th anniversary season. Shuckers fans can click HERE to purchase a 2025 Shuck
Three Shuckers Selected for the 2024 Robin Yount Performance Awards
BILOXI, MS – The Milwaukee Brewers announced today that Biloxi Shuckers’ pitchers Craig Yoho and K.C. Hunt and shortstop Cooper Pratt have all been selected for the organization’s Robin Yount Performance Awards. Yoho and Hunt were named the Brewers Co-Minor League Pitchers of the Year while Pratt was named the
Ernesto Martinez Jr., Blake Holub Named Southern League All-Stars
BILOXI, MS – Minor League Baseball announced today that Biloxi Shuckers first-baseman Ernesto Martinez Jr. and reliever Blake Holub were named 2024 Southern League All-Stars. It marks the fifth time in franchise history that multiple Shuckers were named to the post-season All-Star team and the second consecutive season after a
Craig Yoho, Jacob Misiorowski Honored by Baseball America
BILOXI, MS – Baseball America announced today that Biloxi Shuckers’ pitchers Craig Yoho and Jacob Misiorowski earned end-of-season awards from the publication. Yoho was named a Baseball America First-Team Minor League Baseball All-Star and Misiorowski was named the publication’s Brewers Minor League Player of the Year. Yoho, the Brewers' eighth-round
LSU, Samford Set for Exhibition Game in Biloxi on November 3
BILOXI, MS – The Biloxi Shuckers have announced that the LSU Tigers and Samford Bulldogs will play a fall exhibition game as part of the Hancock Whitney Classic at Keesler Federal Park on Sunday, November 3. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and gates open at 10:00 a.m. The