Aidan
Santiago

Santiago, right-handed hitting first baseman/LHP, stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 165 pounds, ran a 4.76 from home to first. Offensively- Starts with a square lower half, feet shoulder width apart, weight centered while the hands are in front of the back shoulder with the barrel of the bat greater than 45 degrees. Gets to the launch phase of the swing with a subtle lift of the front foot gaining little to no ground during the stride while the hands are brought straight to the ball, well ahead of the rotation of the hips. Showed a compact hand path to the ball with glimpses of driving the ball to the center of the field. Recorded and exit velocity of 71 MPH, which would improve with a more aggressive drive from the lead leg which would help create more engagement from the back side rotation.  Defensively- Moves before the pitch with a short step with the hands tight to the body. Fields the ball in an athletic position with the glove out in front of the body and feet slightly more than shoulder width apart. Fields the ball on the glove side of the body, displaying a quick transfer on the double plays. Recorded an arm velocity of 66 MPH across the diamond.  Pitching- Works from the third base side of the rubber with both hands held in front of the chest. Gets to the gathered position of the delivery using a short step to the third base side while the pivot foot turns and the lead knee lifts slightly below the waist and hands are elevated to chin height. Sticks the landing, quickly separating the hands with the lead toe landing closed and lead arm drops below the waist line with good back leg extension. The fastball, thrown from high ¾ arm slot, topped out at 72 MPH with inconsistent command staying mainly up in the zone. With an ability to keep a tighter front side it should help create better extension and the throwing arm would be less likely to cast away from the body. The change-up, thrown at 63 MPH, showed quality depth and arm side fade as well as having a good differential from the fastball (-9 MPH). Displayed clean and loose arm action, with better command should continue to progress on the mound.