Miguel Sanó

Miguel Ángel Jean Sanó[1][2] (born May 11, 1993) is a Dominican professional baseball infielder for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut on July 2, 2015, and was an All-Star in 2017. Sanó has played for most of his career as a third baseman, but has played more first base in 2018 and 2019, and with the Twins signing Josh Donaldson on January 14, 2020, is anticipated to be the Twins' starting first baseman starting in the 2020 season.

This article uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Jean and the second or maternal family name is Sanó.
Miguel Sanó
Minnesota Twins – No. 22
Third baseman/First baseman
Born: (1993-05-11) May 11, 1993
San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 2, 2015, for the Minnesota Twins
MLB statistics
(through September 29, 2019)
Batting average.245
Home runs118
Runs batted in315
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Early life

Miguel Sanó was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, to a poor Haitian and Cocolo family.[3][4] He chose to play baseball with the name Sanó, his mother’s family name, rather than his father's, which is Jean, out of respect to the Dominican Republic.[5] He was discovered at a young age, and worked with scouts to develop his talent.[3] In early 2009, Major League Baseball conducted an age investigation, a prerequisite for every player signed in Latin America, that confirmed Sanó’s identity but could not verify his exact age.[6] Sanó claimed to be 16 years old, but there had been rumors in the Dominican Republic that he was older.[7][8] Twins then-general manager Bill Smith said, "Sanó’s age and identity have probably been scrutinized more than any player in the history of the Dominican Republic,"[7] and the issues and difficulties involved caused Sanó to lower his asking price from the $5–6 million bonus he was seeking when the international signing period first opened.[9][10]

The Pittsburgh Pirates were the first team to offer Sanó a deal, and appeared to be his most ardent suitor, but negotiations were at a standstill after agent Rob Plummer rejected a $2.6 million offer from the team and their Director of Latin American Scouting, Rene Gayo.[11][12][13] Sanó elected to sign with the Twins over many other teams. Besides the Pirates, the Cleveland Indians also expressed interest in Sanó, and even had him come to their academy in the Dominican Republic for a workout session.[14] The Baltimore Orioles pursued Sanó for a short time, but believed his value was well below his $3 million price tag.[15][16] Other interested teams included the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.[9]

On September 29, 2009, Sanó said he would sign a Major League Baseball contract with the Minnesota Twins,[17][18] which included a $3.15 million signing bonus.[7][11][15] The bonus was the largest for a Latin American player from outside of Cuba in 2009, and the second highest bonus ever for a Dominican amateur, second only to the $4.25 million the Oakland Athletics paid right-handed pitcher Michael Ynoa in 2008.[11] It was also the highest international signing bonus in Twins history,[7] more than the Twins spent on 70 international prospects from 2006-2008 combined.[6] Sanó’s deal surpassed the $3 million the Yankees gave catcher Gary Sánchez.[6] The contract was contingent upon Sanó receiving a visa from the United States,[11] and on October 20, 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Sanó was issued a work visa by the United States, clearing him to play professional baseball;[19] this was confirmed by the Twins on December 5.[20]

Sanó is one of the subjects of the 2012 documentary Ballplayer: Pelotero.[21] The film follows Sanó through his controversial signing period in 2009. The film is directed by Jonathan Paley, Ross Finkel and Trevor Martin, narrated by John Leguizamo, and produced by Bobby Valentine. It premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival in 2011 and had a theatrical release in theaters in New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis in July 2012. The film was screened from July 13–19 in Minneapolis by the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul in the St. Anthony Main Theater.[22]

Professional career
Sanó with the Fort Myers Miracle in 2013

Minor Leagues

Before the 2011 season Baseball America rated Sanó the third-best prospect in the Twins' minor league system.[23] Sanó spent 2011 playing third base and shortstop for the Elizabethton Twins, the Twins affiliate in the Appalachian League, hitting .292 with 20 HR and 59 RBI. After the 2011 season Baseball America rated him the top prospect in the Appalachian League, the 18th-best prospect in all of baseball,[24] and (agreeing with Baseball Prospectus) the top Twins prospect.[25][26][27][28]

Sanó spent 2012 with the Class-A Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League. He transitioned fully to third base, and general manager Terry Ryan said the team hoped to move Sanó closer to the major leagues soon.[29] Still, his developing defense and propensity for striking out had the Twins making sure not to rush his path through the minors.[30] Sanó hit .258 with a .373 OBP, and led the Midwest League with 28 HR and 100 RBI. After the 2012 season, Baseball America rated Sanó the second-best prospect in the Midwest League and the top Twins prospect,[31] and Baseball Prospectus rated him the second-best Twins prospect.[32][33] MLB.com rated him the 12th-best prospect in the game, as well as the top third-base prospect.[34]

On June 9, 2013, Sanó and Eddie Rosario were promoted to the New Britain Rock Cats of the Class AA Eastern League. He compiled 35 home runs, 103 RBI, and a .280 batting average. At the end of the 2013 season, MLB.com ranked him the third-best prospect in the league, and second in the Twins organization, behind only Byron Buxton. The Twins invited Sanó to spring training in 2014.[35] During spring training he tore his ulnar collateral ligament and required Tommy John surgery. He missed the 2014 season in recovery.[36] Sanó began the 2015 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Class AA Southern League, and batted .274 with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs through the end of June.[37]

Minnesota Twins

2015–2016

The Minnesota Twins promoted Sanó to the major leagues. He recorded a hit in his major league debut on July 2, 2015.[37] Sanó played primarily as a designated hitter. He won the American League (AL) Rookie of the Month Award for August 2015, and hit 18 home runs in 80 games for the Twins for the season. He finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year Award balloting. After the 2016 season Sanó began working to become a right fielder.[38] After being blocked from his usual position of third base and with Joe Mauer entrenched at first base, Sanó began the 2016 season as the Twins' right fielder. He was placed on the disabled list on June 1 with a strained hamstring[39] and brought back about a month later. He finished the season at third base after Trevor Plouffe was injured, and ended his season with 25 home runs and 66 RBI despite striking out 178 times in 437 at-bats.

2017

On April 3, 2017, Sanó hit a solo homer, drew a bases-loaded walk, and scored two runs in the Opening Day game against the Kansas City Royals.[40] On April 22 he took exception after Matthew Boyd threw a pitch behind him. Sanó was ejected after shoving James McCann, which also sparked a benches-clearing incident.[41] On June 29 Sanó finished runner-up to Aaron Judge in the Home Run Derby. In 114 games of 2017, Sanó finished with a .264 batting average, 28 home runs, and 78 RBI.

2018

Sanó missed most of May 2018 due to a hamstring problem. In his first 37 games he compiled a .203 batting average, seven home runs, and 27 RBI. On June 14 he was demoted to Class-A Advanced Fort Myers.[42] On July 20 he was promoted to Class AAA Rochester Red Wings[43] On July 27 he rejoined the Twins after Eduardo Escobar was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. By the end of the season, Sanó hit .199 with 13 home runs and 41 RBI.

2019

In March 2019 Sanó underwent surgery on his Achilles. He returned to the lineup in May 2019.[44] In 2019 he batted .247/.346/.576 with 34 home runs and 79 RBIs. He led the major leagues in percentage of hard-hit balls, at 57.2%.[45]

Personal life

On December 29, 2017, a Twin Cities photographer accused Sanó of sexually assaulting her in 2015 after an autograph session.[46] Sanó denied the allegation.[47] MLB investigated the claim and chose not to suspend him.[48]

See also

References
  1. "Miguel Sano Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History - Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com.
  2. Pérez Neró, Nathanael, ed. (October 1, 2009). "Miguel Sanó: "Nunca bajé la cabeza"". Diario Libre. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  3. Cypher, Luke. Haitian Sensations: Behind the rise of the Haitian-Dominican player, ESPN The Magazine. Published March 10, 2009 By Luke Cyphers | ESPN The Magazine. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  4. "Rep. Dom. : Le champion continental dominicain en Taekwondo est d'origine haitienne | Anmwe". News.anmwe.com. December 8, 2013. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  5. "Miguel Jean, SS, Minnesota Twins". Kffl.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  6. Segura, Melissa. Twins sign top Dominican prospect Miguel Angel Sanó, Sports Illustrated. Published September 29, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  7. Christensen, Joe. Dominican prospect accepts $3.15M deal with Twins, Star Tribune. Published September 29, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
  8. Kubatko, Roch. Keeping your Sano-ty Archived September 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. Published September 22, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  9. Miguel Angel Sanó lowers asking price Archived July 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, NBC Sports. Published September 29, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  10. Gleeman, Aaron. Baseball Daily Dose: High Five For Buchholz, KING-TV. Published September 29, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  11. Arangure Jr., Jorge. Minnesota Twins to sign Dominican Miguel Angel Sanó for $3.15M bonus, ESPN. Published September 29, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
  12. Kovacevic, Dejan. Pirates Notebook: Gayo turns page after Sanó, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Published October 1, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  13. Starkey, Joe. Pirates erred on Sanó Archived October 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Published October 9, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  14. Sims, Damon. Cleveland Indians have Miguel Angel Sanó, a 16-year-old Dominican high on their signing-priority list, The Plain Dealer. Published June 13, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  15. Zrebiec, Jeff. Bullpen makeover on the way for O's, Baltimore Sun. Published September 30, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  16. Melewski, Steve. Slow go on Sanó right now Archived July 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. Published July 20, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  17. Rogers, Phil. Mark Reynolds valuable even with record strikeouts, Chicago Tribune. Published October 4, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  18. Smith, Kelsie. Agent says Twins' deal with 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Miguel Sanó includes $3.15 million bonus, Fox Sports. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  19. Segura, Melissa. Vaunted Twins signee Sanó receives work visa, Sports Illustrated. Published October 20, 2009. Retrieved October 22, 2009.
  20. Rojas, Enrique. Sanó’s work visa completes Twins deal, ESPN. Published December 5, 2009. Retrieved December 6, 2009.
  21. Passan, Jeff. Story of Miguel Sanó chronicles ugly, sleazy side of baseball's Dominican Republic talent pipeline, Yahoo! Sports. Published July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  22. Scheib, Ronnie. Film Reviews - "Pelotero", Variety. Published November 27, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  23. Manuel, John. 2011 Minnesota Twins Top 10 Prospects, Baseball America. Published November 23, 2010. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  24. Eddy, Matt. 2011 Appalachian League Top 20 Prospects, Baseball America. Published September 21, 2011. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
  25. Goldstein, Kevin. Future Shock: Twins Top 11 Prospects, Baseball Prospectus. Published November 3, 2011. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
  26. Manuel, John. 2012 Minnesota Twins Top 10 Prospects, Baseball America. Published January 20, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
  27. 2012 Top 100 Prospects, Baseball America. Published February 21, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  28. Long, Chris. Meet Twins Top Prospect Miguel Sanó, KSTP-TV. Published May 31, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  29. Mackey, Phil. GM Terry Ryan hopeful top prospect Miguel Sanó can move up ladder soon Archived June 22, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, 1500 ESPN Twin Cities. Published May 14, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  30. Miller, Phil. Twins won’t rush prospect Sanó, Star Tribune. Published May 31, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2012.
  31. Callis, Jim. 2012 Midwest League Top 20 Prospects, Baseball America. Published October 2, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  32. Parks, Jason. Prospects Will Break Your Heart: Minnesota Twins Top 10 Prospects, Baseball Prospectus. Published November 15, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  33. Manuel, John. 2013 Minnesota Twins Top 10 Prospects, Baseball America. Published November 20, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  34. Mayo, Jonathan. 2013 Prospect Watch, MLB.com. Published January 29, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  35. Berardinomberardino, Mike. "Twins' spring invitees: Byron Buxton, Miguel Sanó, Alex Meyer". TwinCities.com. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  36. Velle, La. "BREAKING: Miguel Sanó to have Tommy John surgery | Twins Insider". StarTribune.com. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
  37. "Minnesota Twins calling up Miguel Sano". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  38. Scoggins, Chip (February 15, 2016). "The inside story: How the Twins found Miguel Sano". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  39. "Twins put Miguel Sano on disabled list with strained hamstring, call up Max Kepler - 1500 ESPN Twin Cities". May 31, 2016. Archived from the original on December 29, 2017. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
  40. Campbell, Dave (April 4, 2017). "Sano, Santana steer Twins past Royals 7-1 to start season". Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 7, 2017. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
  41. Bollinger, Rhett. "Sano, Boyd ejected after HBP, fracas". MLN. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  42. "Twins demote Miguel Sano to Class-A Advanced Fort Myers". MLB. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  43. Velle, La (July 20, 2018). "Twins move Miguel Sano up to Class AAA Rochester". StarTribune.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  44. Velle, La (March 6, 2019). "Sano 'out of the picture' after procedure on heel, likely until May". StarTribune.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  45. "Statcast Leaderboard | baseballsavant.com". Baseballsavant.mlb.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  46. "Miguel Sano accused of sexual assault". NBC Sports. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  47. "Twins' Miguel Sano denies sexual assault allegations; MLB looking into matter". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  48. Gartland, Dan (March 23, 2018). "Miguel Sano not suspended by MLB for alleged Sexual Assault". SI.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
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