“From Waiver Wire Gamble to Bullpen Star: Dennis Santana Shines for the Pirates”

From Waiver Wire Gamble to Bullpen Star: Dennis Santana Shines for the Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates took a bold chance in mid-June when they acquired Dennis Santana, a right-handed reliever previously discarded by the New York Yankees. Despite a lackluster ERA of 6.26 in his short stint with the Yankees, the Pirates saw potential in Santana, offering him a low-risk opportunity to shine.

Manager Derek Shelton noted that the team identified key adjustments that could help Santana improve. “We saw areas where we could make a difference,” Shelton said. “Once we brought him in, we targeted the most crucial aspects for his development, and he embraced it.”

This gamble has paid off handsomely. Santana, who had a somewhat underwhelming seven-year MLB career before joining the Pirates, has emerged as a reliable and high-impact reliever. Although the Pirates’ bullpen overall has struggled with a collective ERA of 4.63, Santana’s performance stands out. Over 33 games, he has posted a remarkable 2.58 ERA with 44 strikeouts and just nine walks.

Having previously played with the Dodgers, Rangers, Mets, and Yankees, Santana appreciates the support he’s received from the Pirates. “I’ve been with multiple teams, but the Pirates have really helped me,” he said. “They’ve done a fantastic job working with me, and I’m grateful for that.”

Santana has excelled at minimizing hard contact, with an average exit velocity of 86.2 mph against him, placing him in the 95th percentile in MLB. His ability to induce swings and misses is evident from his chase rate of 36.1% and a whiff percentage of 28.7%. His success is largely attributed to his slider, which he throws a third of the time and has become a key weapon in his arsenal.

“I’ve gained confidence that I didn’t have before,” Santana reflected. “I trust my pitches and feel assured on the mound.”

Alongside his slider, Santana’s fastball, averaging 96 mph and a newly introduced cutter—taught to him by former teammate Frankie Montas—have contributed to his success. The Pirates have worked with Santana to refine his cutter and improve his slider’s location.

Santana’s role has evolved from a middle reliever to a crucial part of the back-end of the bullpen, showcasing his growth and adaptability. Despite a series of waiver wire misses this year, Santana has been a standout acquisition for the Pirates.

“Dennis remains calm under pressure, which is key to his success,” Shelton noted. “His composure, combined with his ability to adapt and learn, has been vital to his impressive performance.”