Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 16: Yordany De Los Santos Hopes to Finally Break Out in ’26
This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
Not many international prospects came to the Pirates with more pedigree than Yordany De Los Santos in 2022. Pittsburgh signed De Los Santos out of the Dominican Republic for $1.2 million.
He began his career after signing in ’22 and slashed .258/.372/.363 with 15 doubles, one triple, a home run, 38 RBI and 14 steals in 58 games in the Dominican Summer League.
The following season, De Los Santos got off to a hot start in the Florida Complex League, leading to a promotion to Low-A Bradenton after only 17 games. But after reaching the Marauders, De Los Santos scuffled. In 38 games, the right-handed batter hit just .184 with a .578 OPS.
The Pirates opted to send De Los Santos back to the FCL to begin the 2024 season. He spent the bulk of the year there, totaling 57 games and hit a staggering .344 with a .912 OPS, eight doubles, four triples, five home runs, 34 RBI and 24 steals.
But once again, De Los Santos struggled after he was bumped up to Bradenton. In 25 games, he was again under the Mendoza Line with a .195 batting average and a .564 OPS.
De Los Santos opened this past season back with Bradenton, and while he did produce better results, he still left a lot to be desired. The 20-year-old slashed .249/.311/.388 with 27 doubles, a pair of triples, 11 home runs and 54 RBI. He did finish second in the Florida State League with 51 stolen bases.
De Los Santos wrapped up the season with High-A Greensboro and struck out in all three plate appearances across two games.
In the field, De Los Santos spent time at shortstop, second base and third base, though he looked much more comfortable up the middle than he did at the hot corner.
The 2026 season will be a big one for someone who is considered one of the Pirates’ better position-player prospects. After largely stalling with Low-A Bradenton, spending time in the hitter-friendly South Atlantic League with the Greensboro Grasshoppers could provide a spark and a jolt of confidence.
Otherwise, he may not stick on this list this time next year.
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