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2 Former Dodgers Top Prospects Find New Homes in American League

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Dodgers
By Ricardo Sandoval | Last updated 12/6/23

Two former Los Angeles Dodgers top prospects have found new homes in the American League. Right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana has signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, and outfielder Willie Calhoun has signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers' cross-town rival, Los Angeles Angels.

Oakland A's broadcaster Jessica Kleinschmidt reported the Santa news, while Angels insider from The Athletic Sam Blum reported the Calhoun news.

RHP Dennis Santana has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Yankees and gets an invite to spring training, I’m told. He’s expected to compete for a spot in the Yankees bullpen.
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) December 6, 2023

Willie Calhoun has signed with the Angels, the team announced. It is a minor league deal.

Calhoun, an outfielder, had 21 homers over just 83 games with the Rangers in 2019.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) December 6, 2023

Santana was rated as high as the Dodgers' No. 7 overall prospect in 2019. However, due to his inability to stay healthy, his stock plummeted.

He was a part of the Dodgers organization for three-and-a-half seasons from 2018-2021. In his time in Dodger Blue, Santana recorded a 2-2 record with a 6.42 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and a 5.30 FIP in 32 games.

After his four seasons in L.A., he was traded to the Texas Rangers in 2021, where he stayed for two seasons, before pitching with the New York Mets in 2023 for nine games.

As for Calhoun, he was rasnked as high as the No. 4 prospect in 2017 with the Dodgers. However, that season, he was traded to the Rangers as a part of the Yu Darvish deal. Unfortunately, that deal didn't result in a title, as... well, you know the rest.

The 29-year-old now returns to the same city where his career started — just a new team. We wish Calhoun and Santana the best with their new teams next season.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Dodgers and was syndicated with permission.

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