In Bradenton, Florida, Dennis Santana and Gregory Soto have quickly become central figures in revitalizing the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen for the 2024 season. The arrival of Soto, a two-time All-Star left-handed reliever, complements Santana’s presence, creating a promising righty-lefty combination that the Pirates hope will boost their late-inning pitching. Both pitchers, hailing from the Dominican Republic, bring experience and energy as the Pirates look to build a more competitive bullpen.
Building on Mentorship and Team Unity
Santana, who joined the Pirates after being claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees last June, recalls how Aroldis Chapman welcomed him warmly upon arrival and now intends to extend the same support to Soto.
“I’ve got show him love, especially because he comes to a new team and I’ve been here three years, so I have to take care of him so he can feel comfortable,”
Santana said.
“Chapman took me under his wing. I learned a lot from him. He’s the best thing that’s happened in baseball for me.”
This camaraderie among Dominican players helps foster a supportive environment within the team.
Flexible Bullpen Roles Create Strategic Advantages
The combination of Santana and Soto gives manager Don Kelly options in high-pressure scenarios without naming a clear-cut closer early in spring training. Santana posted a 2.18 ERA with 60 strikeouts across 70 appearances last season, securing 11 saves after David Bednar’s trade to the Yankees. Soto, with 56 career saves including 30 in 2022, showed flashes of dominance despite a higher 4.18 ERA over 70 appearances split between Baltimore and New York last year. The right-hander and left-hander duo promises versatility at the back end of the bullpen to counter different batting matchups.
Impressive Early Performances Signal Strong Potential
In a recent spring game at LECOM Park, Santana and Soto combined for successive scoreless innings against the Yankees, displaying why they are key bullpen contributors. Santana managed to secure a strikeout while allowing just a single and a walk in the third inning. Soto followed with three strikeouts out of four batters faced, showcasing a “sweeper” pitch that impressed Pirates manager Don Kelly.
“Really great to have there in the back end with Santana, and then Soto came out firing,”
Kelly remarked.
“And really nasty stuff. Dominicans got two pretty good guys to come out of the ‘pen there. I’m sure they’ve got others, as well. But just with those guys, excited to see them go compete and play. We’re going to see the pressure for the WBC, gets everything going quicker, and it’s going to be cool to see how they respond to that and get more in midseason form in the WBC.”
Strong Dominican Presence Builds Off-Field Connections
The team’s chemistry extends beyond the mound as Santana, Soto, fellow reliever Yohan Ramirez, and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna share a tight bond facilitated by their shared language and heritage. Their laughter and camaraderie resonate in the clubhouse and at spring training gatherings, strengthening team unity. Soto explained,
“I feel comfortable with the guys. We’ve got the language and everything. We can have better conversations. We’re going to have good chemistry.”
Santana added,
“After we work out, we come in the clubhouse as a group and sit down and talk about anything and have fun. We try to stay together. United we stand. That’s the theme this year for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Not just Latins but everybody together is going to be the key.”
Complementary Styles Create Effective Bullpen Duo
Each pitcher relies on distinct strengths while producing similar success. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 202 pounds, Santana uses a slider and a four-seam fastball to generate one of baseball’s highest chase rates at 34.6%. Soto, more muscular at 247 pounds, employs a sinker-slider mix complemented by a 96.9-mph fastball that ranks in the 97th percentile for controlling the barrel rate. He specializes in retiring left-handed hitters, holding a career slash line of .211/.306/.294 against them. This dynamic suggests managers can deploy them situationally, tailoring late innings by matchup rather than assigning a traditional closer role.
A Team Player Ready for Any Role
Santana has demonstrated adaptable willingness throughout last season, serving as closer when Bednar was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis, filling multi-inning relief appearances, and resuming save opportunities in the closing months. Reflecting on his role, Santana said,
“I love it. I love it. It’s going to be almost the same during the season. We’re going to see how that looks like. In my mind, I don’t have it that I’m the closer, but I’m ready for anything. If Donnie asks me to go in in the seventh, I’m good. I know that I have a backup who has two All-Stars and 30-save season.”
When asked about pursuing the closer spot, he added,
“I want to. If they give me the chance, I will do it. If not, I’ll do my job. Anything to help the team. It’s not a selfish thing.”
Leadership Extends Beyond Pitching Staff
Manager Don Kelly lauded Santana’s qualities both on and off the field, calling him phenomenal and emphasizing his leadership role. Santana and Ramirez have also built strong ties with fellow Dominican Oneil Cruz, who energized fans in the Home Run Derby last July with the encouragement of countrymen like Ronald Acuna Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. Santana highlighted the significance of support at the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) for Cruz’s development.
“That’s special. He’s got all the support he needs in the Classic,”
Santana said.
“At the Home Run Derby, he had all the Dominicans in his corner. That was good for him, especially as he was putting on a show. With all the talent he has, he can be one of the best in the game.”
World Baseball Classic Offers Major Stage for Pirates’ Stars
The WBC will serve as a valuable opportunity for Pirates players representing the Dominican Republic to compete together under intense conditions that simulate regular season pressure. Santana expressed that it is a chance to showcase talent broadly beyond Major League Baseball.
“This is a great experience for him because he wants to show his talent, and not just to MLB. The whole world is going to be watching these games. I think he can let go a little bit of pressure so when he plays here, he can be way better.”
Both Santana and Soto view the tournament as a preview for the season ahead and a test of their ability to deliver in critical moments. Soto shared,
“We are excited for the moment. It’s like a preview for the season. We can go there and compete in high-leverage (situations), so it’s going to be great.”
New Era for Pirates Bullpen With Dominican Influence
The partnership between Dennis Santana and Gregory Soto marks a vibrant chapter in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ bullpen architecture, blending young talent, international experience, and cultural unity. This bullpen duo, supported by additional Dominican teammates, elevates expectations for improved late-game pitching strategies in an organization eager to return to competitiveness. The upcoming season and World Baseball Classic will reveal how effectively this powerful bullpen combination can translate promise into consistent performance for both the Pirates and their national team.
