LA Angels Top Prospect Countdown: #20 Abel De Los Santos

The LA Angels have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. However, they have a good mix of prospects who will help soon and some with star potential down the road. In this series, we will evaluate each of the Angels Top 30 prospects. Today, it’s pitcher Abel De Los Santos.

The LA Angels acquired De Los Santos in late October of last season. He was an international signing for the Texas Rangers back in 2009. He spent five so-so seasons with the Rangers before he was traded to the Washington Nationals, who decided to use him strictly as a relief pitcher instead of developing him as a starter like the Rangers had been doing.

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De Los Santos spent a little over a year with the Nationals before being sent to the Reds. They allowed him to go onto waivers last year, which is when he was claimed by the Angels.

De Los Santos, 24, has been much more productive out of the bullpen than he was as a starter. He is able to use his fastball more efficiently. His fastball tops out at 96 mph, but has slight movement which causes weak contact from hitters. De Los Santos’ curveball has massive movement and is a solid second pitch. His slider is exceptional as well, but he is inconsistent with it. He also has a changeup but rarely uses it.

De Los Santos has pitched his way to the major leagues already in his career. He has not found much success, posting a 9.82 ERA in 7.1 innings pitched. However, he now knows how much work it will take to leave his mark on the league. This strategy is used often and has found success with certain prospects who have the talent but perhaps lack the motivation.

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De Los Santos has struggled so far in 2017. He currently owns a 7.20 ERA in four games (5.0 innings) and has given up one long ball. He has seven strikeouts to two walks. De Los Santos has only finished one game on the season. 

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He has the potential to be a late-inning hurler, but De Los Santos needs to refine his pitches enough to stand a chance against big league hitters. If he can turn things around this season, De Los Santos may be able to make the team when rosters expand towards the end of the season. If he does not accomplish that, a Spring Training invite in 2018 seems likely.