Get to Know Twins Draft Pick, RHP Nolan Santos

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins selected pitcher Nolan Santos from Bethune-Cookman in the seventh round of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft. Having played through the Covid season, and experiencing a couple different summer leagues, he’s more than tested for professional baseball.

 

Image courtesy of B-CU Athletics

Nolan Santos got experience playing in the Midwest when he showed up with Waterloo in the Northwoods League after his first year of college. Last summer, he experienced the MLB Draft League playing for Frederick. Strong numbers have always been synonymous with his game, but the 138 strikeouts in just 97 1/3 innings last year were more than impressive.

Minnesota prioritized pitching in the draft, and Santos was the fourth they took within their first eight picks. He should have plenty of opportunity to impress now turning professional, and he gave me some insight into who he is before the journey gets started.

Twins Daily: It was 2022 that your workload really started to increase and the numbers followed suit. What did you learn as an incoming freshman and playing in the Northwoods League that set you up for success?

Nolan Santos: 2022 was technically my third year in college, although only my first full year at Bethune-Cookman University. 2020 was my freshman year, and COVID canceled that. I played at Miami-Dade College in the spring of 2021, then that summer played in the Northwoods League. Going through those different levels and challenges built mental toughness in me. Grit and hard work are really important in this sport because it is a sport of failure. Being able to understand failure and build from it, and listening to any and every coach I could has helped me thus far.

TD: You saw another jump in performance this year, more strikeouts, and consistently put up strong numbers. How did you attack hitters this season, and what development do you feel like your game had?

NS: This year, the mindset was to attack early, often, and fast. The pitch clock was introduced and implemented more, so working on my pace on the mound was important. It also keeps hitters uncomfortable the faster I am able to work. I also tried to maintain nutrition and strength while improving my mobility this spring, implementing yoga into my weekly regimen before outings.

TD: Tell us about your process and style on the mound. What is your arsenal and what do you feel comfortable with?

NS: I’m a competitor first, so I have relied on that my entire life. I haven’t always had electric velocity, but I try to command the zone well to get outs. I like to play with some emotion, because at the end of the day this is a game I love, and I enjoy every second I am on that field. My arsenal consists of a four-seam fastball, curveball, slider, and split-change that I have been playing with over the summer. I feel comfortable with all my pitches. The least comfortable pitch though is the split-change since it is so new. It’s a work in progress though.

TD: You participated in the MLB Draft League this summer. What was that experience like, and how do you feel like it set you up for pro ball?

NS: The MLB Draft League was a great experience. The level of competition is great, and the guys that I was surrounded by in my locker room are great. Understanding how to do things on your own is the main thing I picked up. I also understood how to call my own game much better by reading the hitters' patterns and swings.

TD: Going into the next step of your career, where do you feel like you have the greatest opportunity to develop as a pitcher and player?

NS: I feel like I need to improve on my mobility and prioritize it the way I do with strength training. Having good mobility will only help me as it can unlock velocity and keep me durable on the field throughout the season.

TD: What is your knowledge of the Minnesota Twins organization? Have you spent time in Minnesota or been to Target Field?

NS: I know some of the great players who have come through this organization, like Torii Hunter, Justin Morneau, Kirby Puckett, Joe Mauer, Rod Carew, etc. One of my coaches this past summer while playing on the Frederick Keys was Jacque Jones who played for the Twins as well. I have never been to Minnesota or Target Field, but I know from watching games on TV and playing The Show that the field is beautiful. I can only imagine what the rest of the great state has to offer.

TD: Finally, give me some of your favorite things to do outside of baseball that help you reset and get away from the game?

NS: I enjoy going to watch movies in the theater, especially Marvel movies. A lot of my down time I use for myself to catch up on rest. I also enjoy going to the gym because it does help me reset my mind from the field and other things that may be on my mind.

Welcome to Twins Territory, Nolan!

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[Dman]

I really appreciate these writeups and the brief glimpse into the players personality.  Thanks for dong these!!

[AlwaysinModeration]

What exactly is this MLB Draft League and how do the players wind up there? I took a quick perusal of the website and they succeeded in having dozens of kids drafted each of the last three years.  Twins took Santos, Lee and Cossetti from this league.