Moments after the Astros logo appeared on the screen, cheers followed – from Yankees fans.
Houston might get some supporters from The Bronx on Thursday. At the very least, the Astros gave Alex Santos friends and family members something to think about after choosing the right fireball in the second round (72nd overall) compensation section of the 2020 MLB Draft.
“I have been a Yankees fan all my life, but I have to face it now,” the star of Mount St. High School Michael, who grew up five minutes driving from the stadium, said in a telephone interview. “They went with some other men. Everything works for a reason, and I’m glad I’m in my position now. “
His plan for Santos to sign and cut the scholarship to Maryland, he and his father, Alex Santos Sr., said. The signing bonus slot where he was recruited was $ 870,700.
When he was elected, Santos heard from many family members, coaches and friends. Decisions about which team they will compile now vary. Astros removed the Yankees from the postseason in 2017 – the year they won the World Series but was found to have had an affair by stealing signs – and 2019.
Alex SantosPhoto courtesy of Alex Santos Sr.
“Some of them are Astros fans. “Some of them say it’s hard to stay away from the Yankees, but they are Alex Santos fans,” he said.
“I am really excited, very emotional,” said Santos, who became a Mount St. player. Michael was first selected directly from high school since Collin Mahoney (round 48) in 2001. “I had to spend it with my family, coach friends best time. That is something I will never forget.”
Santos, ranked 45th by Baseball America and 56th by MLB Pipeline entering conscription, became the first choice made by the new Astros general manager James Click – Houston had no choice in the first two rounds due to penalties for theft of electronic scandal marks. This selection is a compensation option from the Yankees in return for losing the free agent Gerrit Cole.
If the family has a preference, Santos will play for the hometown of the Yankees or the Mets. But Astros are not so bad either. After all, they are known for getting the most out of pitchers, and ultimately need to increase their rotation with Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke getting older.
“I will go there and show everyone what I get,” Santos said, weighing 185 centimeters. “I really believe that the big leagues will come to me.”
Asked if the family is now attracting Astros, Alex Santos Sr jokes he has to sleep on it. He still plans to root for the Yankees.
“It will be difficult when he comes to Yankee Stadium three years from now and he has to fight my team, you know,” said the elder Santos, jokingly. “But I think I’ll be wearing a Houston Astros jersey.”
