Prospect Profile: Tyler Santana Is a Man with Opportunities Come 2022

Whenever the Cubs sign a non-drafted free agent, especially a pitcher, I often wonder just exactly what their role is going to be. Did the Cubs sign him with the intent of being a starter? Or did the Cubs sign him in hopes of turning them into a reliever? Such is the case of Tyler Santana who was signed back in July.

Basic Info

Age – 23

Height – 6-foot-1

Weight – 205

Throws – Right

College – Jacksonville University

2021 NDFA

What stands out about Santana’s stat line is that he missed a lot of bats in 2021. He struck out 102 and 100.2 innings or basically one an inning. However, that wasn’t always the case. He had to work his way up to that level. In 2018, he struck out just 56 in 88.2 innings. That went up into the 80s in 2019 and then the 102 this past spring. 

I like how he talks more about the process and mental aspects of pitching rather than focusing on what he throws. He comes across as someone who focused on the now.

What’s also clear from his stat line is he doesn’t necessarily walk a lot of guys, but he did give up eight home runs this past spring. He had his best ERA as a freshman in 2018 at 3.62 which ballooned to over five in 2019 and then came back down to 4.68 this spring.

In his three years in Jacksonville, he started every game he pitched until the Atlantic Sun Championship this spring. After throwing eight shutout innings where he only allowed three hits in the semifinal game, he returned a few days later in the championship to close out the game. However, there is no doubt as to what he’s going to do as a pro and that is start.

Not much is known a lot about what he throws besides a fastball around 93. To listen to him talk in interviews, he has several pitches that he can throw on any given night. When he talks, he tends to talk in team oriented language. Take a listen.

Santana debuted last night in the Arizona Complex League. He pitched two scoreless innings, the eighth and ninth, and earned a save! Even more impressive is that he struck out the side in the ninth.

Whether how he was used last night is a harbinger of things to come is up in the air. He could still be used as a starter come 2022. The Mesa Cubs are a little short on relievers and his usage last night probably reflects that along with the fact that he already threw a full season in the spring.

When 2022 does arrive for Santana, the question is where will he start next year? Could he be at Myrtle Beach? Or will he find his way up to South Bend next year? It is hard to make that determination now because he will only pitch 10-12 innings over the next month. And where he ends up this year it definitely not an indicator of where he will start next year. A lot of things can happen in a pitcher’s career over the winter, especially under pro supervision. Between spring training, instructs, and working hard, who knows what pitcher he will be in six months. If last night is any indication, he will have the opportunity to show what he can do, it doesn’t matter what role he will have, even now.