Colorado Rockies lose Antonio Santos to New York Mets

After appearing in 10 Major League games over the course of two seasons, the Colorado Rockies have lost pitcher Antonio Santos to the New York Mets on a Wednesday afternoon waiver claim.

Here’s what we know about the New York Mets claiming Antonio Santos off waivers from the Colorado Rockies

The right-hander made his MLB debut with Colorado on September 1, 2020, and saw action in three games in 2020, including one start. The results last season, however, were not good as Santos was drilled for 14 hits and 11 earned runs in 6.0 innings. He also struck out four and walked four, helping elevate his WHIP to 3.00.

Last season, however, Santos showed some progress, taking the mound in seven games and finishing four of them for the Colorado Rockies. The 25-year-old native of the Dominican Republic allowed nine hits and six earned runs in 11.1 innings, striking out 10 and walking five.

Through his first five appearances of 2021, Santos had a 1.80 ERA and had surrendered five hits and two earned runs in 8.2 innings of work. However, a disastrous August (four hits and four earned runs in 2.2 innings over two games) grew his ERA dramatically.

Originally signed by the Rockies as non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2015, Santos has a 27-43 mark with a 4.83 ERA in 135 minor league games, logging 133 walks and 497 strikeouts.

Santos still holds a minor league option, so the Mets could potentially send him to the minors if conditions warrant. He will likely be used as a depth piece in the 2022 season as New York’s bullpen will take shape once it hires a new manager, which could include a choice from one of these three options.

The role that Santos will likely play in New York is the same he would have had in Colorado had he stayed with the franchise. Santos had good velocity, but was inconsistent with pitch placement and unable to earn the trust of the Rockies in key situations. Can he find more consistency in New York? The Mets are counting on it.