Former Twins Slugging Prospect Miguel Sanó Mashing in the Dominican League

Former Twins Prospect Miguel Sanó Finding Success in Dominican Winter League

It is no secret that Miguel Sanó's MLB career never truly panned out as Twins fans had hoped it would. Hampered by injury, mechanics issues, a high strikeout rate, and streaky power outages, the slugger never really seemed to take root at the MLB level. After spending parts of seven seasons on the major league roster with Minnesota, his option was declined after 2022, then he was picked up by Los Angeles, just to be released after multiple rehab assignments in the Angels' minor league system in July 2024. A rather dismal, fizzling end to what looked like it would be a promising, home run-ladened career for the hulking infielder.

Sanó, now 32, is spending a third straight year in the Dominican Winter League and is finally finding some success. The infielder is now playing for Estrellas Orientales where he has 7 home runs in 15 games so far in 2. Sanó is batting .353 on the season, has driven in 19 RBI, and has cut his strikeouts in half since last winter. What has brought about this surge for the former major leaguer? X users seem to be attributing this breakout to a change in Sanó's swing and, I have to say, I can't disagree that it looks much tighter and more balanced than before. Check it out below:

I'll be the first to admit that I, as a fan, was very hard on Sanó toward the end of his tenure in Twins Territory. The raw power has always been there but the dots never quite seemed to connect for him. It was frustrating to watch him flail at the plate but also to watch the organization let him down. I can't help but think that something more could have been done or, at the very least, we should have cut bait and let him loose sooner than we did, rather than watching the team refuse to admit they got a player wrong. Should've, would've, could've.

Whatever the reason, it is good to see a nice, clean swing from Sanó down in the Dominican. What remains to be seen is if the once top prospect can find his way back into MLB. If he does, Twins Territory will watch and see what becomes of Miguel. Will he parlay his success in the DOWL into a new start in MLB or is he finished in the big leagues? Only time will tell. If nothing else, Sanó still seems to be providing home run highlights for us to enjoy - in fact, here is a rocket he crushed on Nov. 3rd. Here is to hoping he can finally connect those dots consistently and enjoy some continued success late in his career