Reiver José Sanmartín Bio
Reiver José Sanmartín is a Colombian professional baseball pitcher who plays for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. The left-handed hurler began his professional career as an international free agent signing with the Texas Rangers in 2015. After developing through multiple minor league levels across several organizations, Sanmartín made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds in September 2021. Throughout his professional journey, he has established himself as a versatile pitcher capable of working both as a starter and reliever while representing Colombian baseball at the highest professional level.
Early Life and Background
Reiver José Sanmartín was born on April 15, 1996, in Colombia. From a young age, Sanmartín developed a passion for baseball, which set the foundation for his future career in professional sports. His journey into professional baseball began when he pursued opportunities beyond his home country.
Sanmartín dedicated himself to developing his pitching skills during his formative years, preparing for the opportunity to play at the highest levels of the sport. His commitment and talent would soon attract the attention of professional scouts from Major League Baseball organizations.
Path to Major League Baseball
On July 2, 2015, Sanmartín signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent, officially beginning his professional baseball career. He started his minor league development in the Dominican Summer League during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, where he refined his craft against other emerging talents from across the baseball world. His performance in the minor leagues demonstrated steady improvement and the potential for future success at higher levels.
Throughout his minor league career, Sanmartín climbed the developmental ladder systematically. He played for various affiliates including the Spokane Indians, Hickory Crawdads, Staten Island Yankees, Charleston RiverDogs, Tampa Tarpons, and Trenton Thunder across different seasons and classification levels. This exposure to diverse competition environments helped him develop adaptability and consistency in his pitching repertoire.
On November 20, 2017, Sanmartín was traded to the New York Yankees organization in exchange for Ronald Herrera. The trade provided him with an opportunity to continue his development within a storied franchise known for developing talent. His progression through the Yankees system further solidified his credentials as a promising pitching prospect.
Reiver José Sanmartín Career
Development Years (2015–2019)
Sanmartín spent his initial professional seasons building his foundation in the minor leagues. During the 2016 season with the DSL Rangers, he posted a 5.23 ERA over 10 and one-third innings. The following year proved to be a breakthrough, as he went 7-1 with a remarkable 2.35 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 61 and one-third innings with the same team.
His 2018 season with the Yankees organization saw him split time across four different levels, from Low-A Staten Island to Double-A Trenton. He combined for a 5-7 record with a 2.81 ERA and 58 strikeouts over 67 and one-third innings, demonstrating his ability to compete at multiple classification levels within a single campaign.
Cincinnati Reds Breakthrough (2019–2023)
A significant career milestone arrived on January 21, 2019, when Sanmartín was traded to the Cincinnati Reds as part of a deal that sent Sonny Gray to the organization in exchange for Shed Long Jr. and draft pick compensation. Joining the Reds system marked a new chapter in his professional journey and brought him closer to achieving his MLB dreams.
Sanmartín split the 2019 season between High-A Daytona and Double-A Chattanooga, where he went a combined 4-12 with a 4.05 ERA and 114 strikeouts over 122 and one-third innings. The 2020 season presented challenges as the Minor League Baseball campaign was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing him from game action that year. However, he returned stronger in 2021, combining for a 10-2 record with a 3.32 ERA and 112 strikeouts across 100 and one-third innings between Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville.
His perseverance paid off when on September 27, 2021, the Reds selected his contract to the active roster. Sanmartín made his MLB debut that same day against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In two starts during his rookie campaign, he logged a pristine 1.54 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 11 and two-thirds innings of work, immediately demonstrating his readiness for major league competition.
The 2022 season saw Sanmartín transition primarily to a bullpen role, making 45 appearances including four starts. He registered a 4-4 record with a 6.32 ERA and 47 strikeouts across 57 innings pitched. The following year began with him working as a situational reliever, but his season was interrupted by injury after just 14 games where he posted a 7.07 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 14 innings.
On May 7, 2023, Sanmartín departed a game against the Chicago White Sox with left elbow soreness. The injury proved serious, as he was placed on the 60-day injured list on May 14 with a stress reaction in his left elbow. He underwent season-ending UCL surgery on July 7, 2023, and subsequently became a free agent on November 17 after being non-tendered by the Reds.
Return to Cincinnati and 2025 Season
Sanmartín demonstrated resilience by re-signing with the Reds on a minor league contract on November 19, 2023. He spent the majority of the 2024 season with Triple-A Louisville, making 18 appearances and logging a 7.36 ERA with 18 strikeouts across 18 and one-third innings. The 2025 season marked his triumphant return to full health and effectiveness.
With Louisville to begin 2025, Sanmartín compiled an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.75 ERA and 45 strikeouts across 42 appearances. His strong performance earned him a recall to the major league roster, as the Reds selected his contract on September 2, 2025. He made one scoreless appearance for Cincinnati, recording two strikeouts over one and two-thirds innings pitched before the season concluded.
San Francisco Giants Era (2026–Present)
Following his productive stint with the Reds, Sanmartín was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants on November 6, 2025. The acquisition provided him with an opportunity to continue his MLB career with a new organization. On March 25, 2026, he was placed on the 60-day injured list due to a right hip flexor strain, which delayed his debut with the Giants.
Sanmartín was activated from the injured list and made his Giants debut on June 10, 2026. His career MLB statistics through June 10, 2026, include an 8-4 win-loss record, a 5.63 earned run average, and 77 strikeouts across his appearances in professional baseball’s top league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sanmartín has developed a reputation as a versatile pitcher capable of contributing in various roles. His left-handed delivery provides matchup advantages against right-handed hitters, and his ability to work as both a starter and reliever has enhanced his value to organizations throughout his career. His competitive nature and persistence through adversity, including his recovery from Tommy John surgery, demonstrate his mental toughness and dedication to the sport.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most significant career moments, Sanmartín’s MLB debut on September 27, 2021, stands as a defining achievement. His impressive rookie performance with a 1.54 ERA showcased his potential at the highest level. His journey from international free agent to MLB contributor represents a notable path in professional baseball, particularly for Colombian-born players aspiring to reach Major League Baseball.
Reiver José Sanmartín Career Statistics
Across his MLB career spanning multiple seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants, Sanmartín has established himself as a professional pitcher with consistent performance metrics. His career totals reflect his contributions at the sport’s highest level.
Major League Baseball Highlights
Sanmartín’s MLB career includes an overall win-loss record of 8-4 with a 5.63 earned run average and 77 strikeouts through June 10, 2026. His most productive major league action came during the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, where he appeared in a combined 47 games. The 2021 season saw him post an exceptional 1.54 ERA during his debut month, establishing immediate credibility among major league hitters.
Minor League Career Highlights
Prior to reaching the majors, Sanmartín accumulated impressive minor league statistics across numerous seasons and classification levels. His standout minor league campaign came in 2017 with the DSL Rangers, where he posted a 7-1 record with a 2.35 ERA and 56 strikeouts. The 2019 and 2021 seasons also featured strong performances, with the latter seeing him go a combined 10-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 112 strikeouts across Double-A and Triple-A.
| Classification | Games | Record | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor League Career | Multiple Levels | Various | Multiple Seasons |
| MLB (Career) | Multiple Seasons | 8-4 | 5.63 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant comeback year for Sanmartín following his injury-plagued 2023 campaign and rebuilding 2024 season. After undergoing UCL surgery in July 2023, he dedicated himself to the recovery process and emerged as an effective pitcher upon his return. His time with Triple-A Louisville served as a proving ground where he rebuilt his confidence and refined his stuff against high-level competition.
Sanmartín’s 6-2 record and 2.75 ERA across 42 appearances with Louisville demonstrated his readiness for another opportunity at the major league level. The Reds recognized his strong performance by selecting his contract on September 2, 2025. His one scoreless appearance for Cincinnati that season validated his place in professional baseball and set the stage for his next chapter with the San Francisco Giants organization.