Ruben Santana Could be D-backs Long Term Solution at Third

The D-backs No. 10 prospect has an unbelievable set of tools that profiles well at third base long term if the bat develops.

This article is part of a series counting down the Diamondbacks' Top 30 prospects entering the 2024 season. These rankings are determined by Michael McDermott, in conjunction with the Inside the Diamondbacks staff.

Summary: Ruben Santana is another member of the D-backs 2022 international class that the organization is high on. Santana offers all the tools you want in a third baseman, good power, arm, and range at the position, but the development of his hit tool will be the key. Coming off solid years in both the Dominican Summer League in 2022 and the Complex League in 2023, he has a chance to really rise in the D-backs system in the next couple years. Santana will turn 19 in February, so the next couple years will determine how much long term upside he has for the organization. 

Rank: 10

Age: 19

Height/Weight: 6'0" 190 lbs.

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Tools: Hit 45, Power 50, Defense 50, Run 55, Arm 60, Overall 45

ETA: 2027

2023 Recap: Following his excellent season in the DSL, the D-backs brought Santana to the complex. His power tool started to manifest itself more, as his ISO jumped from .120 to .171 and his OPS remained roughly the same from .872 to .876. One area that 's presented a concern early on is his ability to make contact, with a 23% strikeout rate at the complex. Additionally he made 10 errors on defense for a .896 fielding percentage, but at the same time it is difficult to evaluate a teenage prospect's defense. 

2024 Expectations: Santana will make the jump to full season ball next year with Class A Visalia. The key figure to watch will be his strikeout and walk rates, as the organization will want to see an improving approach. He'll also need to show more consistency with the glove, as he'll get all the opportunities to focus at one position.

Projection: Santana has the upside of an everyday regular at third base, but how his approach develops over the next 2-3 seasons will define his hit tool. Once those questions have been answered, that should accelerate his path to the big league roster. Despite the poor fielding percentage in his Age 18 season, he has the tools to develop into a solid defender at the hot corner once the glove and footwork become more consistent.

Top 30 Diamondbacks Prospects Entering the 2024 Season