Is Tony Santillan the real deal? Examining the reliever's hot start for the Reds

Though Tony Santillan's stellar start to the 2025 season was interrupted by a slight hiccup during the Cincinnati Reds' loss to the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday afternoon, the role of closer should be his to lose.

Through 7 ⅔ innings this season, Santillan has struck out nearly 27% of the batters he's faced and owns a 1.23 ERA in seven appearances out of the Reds bullpen. The 27-year-old Texan is bringing electric stuff to the mound every time out, and has been a tremendous boost for a bullpen that has yet to find its identity.

After Alexis Diaz was added to the IL before Opening Day, question marks surrounded the newly abandoned closer's role. So far, the trio of Santillan, Emilio Pagán, and Ian Gibaut have shared the duties to some extent. Gibaut's historic Opening Day meltdown likely ruined his chances of securing the spot, but Pagán and Santillan are likely to each receive opportunities — at least until Diaz returns.

Examining the Tony Santillan's hot start for the Reds

Reds' manager Terry Francona has heavily relied on Santillan, turning to the right-hander more than any other reliever. His success shouldn't come as a surprise, mainly because we've seen it before. Featuring a fastball/ slider combo, Santillan posted a 3.00 ERA over 29 games in 2024 as a middle reliever. He also thrived in late-game situations last season, posting a 1.74 ERA in the eighth and ninth innings.

Will Santillan be able keep it up? Perfection is always the goal but, obviously Santillan's statistics will come down to earth at some point. However, don't expect that to dissuade Francona from turning to Santillan with the game on the line.

Despite a career 3.30 ERA in the big leagues, Santillan has somehow never stuck. He's battled injuries over this career, and then spent the majority of 2023 and 2024 in Triple-A. While his fastball velocity is down just a touch this season, Santillan hasn't skipped a beat. His expected batting average and xERA are elite.

Santillan is clearly an above-average reliever. If he continues on his current trajectory, the closer role could be within his grasp. His only competition at the moment, Pagán, has closer experience but has blown many saves throughout his career. He also gave up the game-winning run on Wednesday in San Fran.

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