Miguel Sanó facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Miguel Sanó |
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Sanó with the Minnesota Twins in 2016
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| Free agent | |||
| Third baseman / First baseman | |||
| Born: May 11, 1993 San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic |
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| debut | |||
| July 2, 2015, for the Minnesota Twins | |||
| MLB statistics (through November 2, 2024) |
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| Batting average | .233 | ||
| Home runs | 164 | ||
| Runs batted in | 424 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Miguel Ángel Jean Sanó (born May 11, 1993) is a professional baseball player from the Dominican Republic. He plays first baseman and third baseman. Miguel has played in MLB for the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels. He started playing in MLB in 2015. In 2017, he was chosen as an All-Star. Currently, he plays winter baseball for the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Professional Baseball League.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Miguel Sanó was born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic. His family was not wealthy. He chose to use his mother's family name, Sanó, for his baseball career. This was a way to show respect for the Dominican Republic.
Miguel was discovered as a talented young player. Baseball scouts helped him improve his skills. Before he signed a professional contract, Major League Baseball checked his age. This is a common step for players from Latin America. Miguel signed a big contract with the Minnesota Twins in 2009. His signing bonus was one of the largest ever for a young player from the Dominican Republic.
Miguel's journey to professional baseball was featured in a 2012 documentary film. The film is called Ballplayer: Pelotero. It shows his story during the time he was signing his first big contract.
Becoming a Professional Player
Starting in the Minor Leagues
Before playing in the major leagues, Miguel Sanó played in the minor leagues. This is where young players develop their skills. In 2011, he played for the Elizabethton Twins. He played third base and shortstop. He hit 20 home runs and had 59 RBI. Experts thought he was one of the best young players.
In 2012, Miguel played for the Beloit Snappers. He focused on playing third base. He hit 28 home runs and had 100 RBI. He was known for hitting many home runs.
In 2013, Miguel moved up to the New Britain Rock Cats. He continued to hit well, with 35 home runs and 103 RBI. He was seen as one of the top young players in baseball.
Dealing with Injuries
In 2014, Miguel faced a challenge. He tore a ligament in his elbow. This injury required a surgery called Tommy John surgery. Because of this, he missed the entire 2014 baseball season. He worked hard to recover. In 2015, he started the season playing for the Chattanooga Lookouts. He hit 15 home runs before getting called up to the major leagues.
Playing in Major League Baseball
Debut with the Minnesota Twins
Miguel Sanó made his MLB debut on July 2, 2015. He quickly showed his power. He hit his first home run on July 7. He was named the American League Rookie of the Month for August 2015. He finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting that season.
In 2016, the Twins tried moving Miguel to right field. However, he later returned to his usual position at third base. He hit 25 home runs that year.
All-Star Season and Postseason
The 2017 season was a big one for Miguel. He hit a home run on Opening Day. He was chosen to be an MLB All-Star. He also competed in the Home Run Derby, where he finished second. During the All-Star Game, he had an RBI single. He finished the 2017 season with 28 home runs. The Twins made it to the postseason that year. However, Miguel could not play due to a shin injury.
Challenges and Comeback
In 2018, Miguel had a tough start. He was sent back to the minor leagues to work on his hitting. He returned to the Twins later that season. He finished the year with 13 home runs.
Miguel started the 2019 season on the injured list. He had surgery on his Achilles tendon. He returned in May and had a great season. He hit a career-high 34 home runs. The Twins won their division title that year. Miguel hit his first postseason home run in 2019.
Moving to First Base
In 2020, Miguel signed a new contract with the Twins. He moved to play first base. This was because the team signed another player for third base. The 2020 season was shorter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Miguel hit 13 home runs.
In 2021, Miguel continued to play first base. He hit 30 home runs. This made him one of only nine players in Twins history to have multiple seasons with 30 or more home runs.
Later Seasons and Free Agency
In 2022, Miguel faced more injuries. He had a torn meniscus in his knee. He played in only 20 games that season. He hit just one home run. After the season, the Twins decided not to keep him. He became a free agent.
In 2023, Miguel looked for a new team. He did not sign a contract and played winter baseball.
Time with the Los Angeles Angels
In 2024, Miguel signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He made their Opening Day roster. He played in 28 games for the Angels. He hit two home runs. In July, he was released by the Angels.
Personal Life
Miguel Sanó is married to Daniela. They had a daughter named Angelica in 2014. Sadly, she passed away shortly after birth due to a heart problem. In 2016, they had a son named Dylan Miguel.
