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Touki Toussaint

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Touki Toussaint
Toussaint with the Columbus Clippers in 2023
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1996-06-20) June 20, 1996 (age 28)
Pembroke Pines, Florida, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
August 13, 2018, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record15–16
Earned run average5.39
Strikeouts292
Teams

Dany Gilbert Kiti "Touki" Toussaint (/ˈtuːki tuˈsɑːnt/; born June 20, 1996) is a Haitian-American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians, and Chicago White Sox. Toussaint was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Braves.

Amateur career

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Toussaint was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to Dany Toussaint and Kahaso Kiti.[1] He is of Haitian and Kenyan descent, and has an elder sister, Garielle.[2] Toussaint's nickname, Touki, is a portmanteau of his parents' surnames.[3] The family moved to Haiti when he was three months old.[4] Toussaint and his mother moved back to Florida when he was six.[5] He stopped playing baseball at age 10 due to a strikeout-filled season as a batter, and focused on soccer and hockey only to return to baseball two years later, following a bet with a friend.[6][7]

Toussaint attended Coral Springs Charter School for his freshman year[6] before transferring to Coral Springs Christian Academy also in Coral Springs, Florida.[8] As a junior in 2013, Toussaint was a MaxPreps All-American after he was 6–2 with a 0.78 earned run average (ERA) and 83 strikeouts.[9] He also hit .458 with six home runs and 32 runs batted in.[10] He was named Broward County's Class 5A-4A-3A-2A Player of the Year.[11] Toussaint committed to play college baseball at Vanderbilt University.[12]

Professional career

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Arizona Diamondbacks

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Toussaint was considered one of the top prospects for the 2014 MLB draft.[13] The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Toussaint in the first round, 16th overall, of the draft.[14] He signed on June 20,[15] agreeing to a $2.7 million signing bonus,[16] and made his professional debut with the Arizona League Diamondbacks on July 2.[17] On August 3, he was promoted to the Missoula Osprey.[18] Toussaint pitched his first Pioneer League game on August 8, 2014.[19]

Toussaint finished his first professional season with a 2–4 record and an 8.48 ERA over 12 total appearances.[20] Toussaint began the 2015 season at extended spring training, then joined the Kane County Cougars in May.[21]

Atlanta Braves

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On June 20, 2015, the Diamondbacks traded Touissant to the Atlanta Braves along with Bronson Arroyo for Phil Gosselin.[22] He finished the 2015 season with a 4.83 ERA in 17 total starts, including a 5.73 ERA over ten starts as a member of the Rome Braves. The rocky season was attributed to the Diamondbacks' request Toussaint cut down on the use of his curveball, shortly after his debut with Kane County, as the team felt becoming excessively reliant on the pitch early in his career would lead to injury.[21] Not throwing his curveball gave Toussaint time to improve his changeup, which became a viable third pitch over the course of the season.[23] Toussaint spent 2016 with Rome.[24] He struggled to begin the season, but improved after making adjustments to his pitching delivery.[25]

Toussaint with the Braves in 2019

Toussaint began the 2017 season with the Florida Fire Frogs and was promoted to the Mississippi Braves in late July 2017,[26] making his Southern League debut on July 31 against the Mobile BayBears.[27] In 145 total innings pitched between Florida and Mississippi, he pitched to a 6–13 record with a 4.53 ERA along with 167 strikeouts.[28] He appeared in the offseason Arizona Fall League with the Peoria Javelinas.[29][30] Toussaint started the 2018 season in Mississippi, recording a 2.93 ERA with 107 strikeouts until a midseason promotion to the Gwinnett Stripers.[31][32] Toussaint faced the Norfolk Tides in his first International League game on July 5, 2018, pitching 6+2⁄3 innings while yielding one run on five hits.[33] He was named to the All-Star Futures Game, and appeared in relief to pitch the eighth inning.[34]

On August 13, 2018, the Braves purchased Toussaint's contract and added him to the roster.[35] He made his MLB debut the same day with a start against the Miami Marlins, yielding one run on two hits in six innings pitched.[36] Toussaint spent time at spring training prior to the start of the 2019 season, and began the year at Gwinnett.[37]

On July 4, 2020, it was announced Toussaint had tested positive for COVID-19.[38] In 2020, he was 0–2 with an 8.88 ERA over 24.1 innings.[39]

On March 27, 2021, Toussaint was placed on the 60-day injured list with a strain in his throwing shoulder.[40] He was activated from the injured list on July 16.[41] In 2021 for the Braves he was 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA.[42] The Braves finished with an 88–73 record, clinching the NL East, and eventually won the 2021 World Series, giving the Braves their first title since 1995.[43]

The Braves designated Toussaint for assignment on July 2, 2022.[44][45]

Los Angeles Angels

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On July 3, 2022, the Los Angeles Angels acquired Toussaint from the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.[46][47] Toussaint appeared in eight major league games for the Angels, including two starts with a 1–1 record and a 4.62 ERA. On November 15, Toussaint was designated for assignment by the Angels after they protected multiple prospects from the Rule 5 draft.[48] On November 18, Toussaint was non–tendered and became a free agent.

Cleveland Guardians

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On January 4, 2023, Toussaint signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians.[49] The deal included an invitation to the Guardians' 2023 major league spring training camp.[50] He made 20 appearances for the Triple–A Columbus Clippers, logging a 4.06 ERA with 48 strikeouts and 3 saves in 37+2⁄3 innings pitched. On June 16, Toussaint was selected to the major league roster.[51] He started that day against the Arizona Diamondbacks, working 3+2⁄3 innings and allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 5 walks.[52][53] He was designated for assignment by the Guardians the following day.[54]

Chicago White Sox

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On June 20, 2023, Toussaint was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox.[55][56] In 19 games (15 starts), he logged a 4–6 record and 4.97 ERA with 83 strikeouts across 83+1⁄3 innings pitched.

Toussaint was designated for assignment by Chicago on March 24, 2024,[57] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–A Charlotte Knights two days later.[58] In 17 games (8 starts) for Charlotte, he logged a 5.15 ERA with 49 strikeouts across 50+2⁄3 innings pitched. On July 29, the White Sox selected Toussaint's contract, adding him to their active roster.[59] In 11 outings for Chicago, he struggled to a 7.43 ERA with 26 strikeouts over 23 innings. Toussaint was designated for assignment by the White Sox on September 3.[60] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Charlotte on September 5.[61] Toussaint elected free agency on September 30.[62]

References

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  1. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (May 19, 2014). "Toussaint impresses with personality, arm". MLB.com. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  2. ^ Clark, Ryan S. (May 31, 2014). "CLARK: More to Toussaint's background than most expect". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  3. ^ Dykstra, Sam (July 18, 2018). "Toolshed: Toussaint takes up Haitian flag". MILB.com. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  4. ^ "Diamondbacks select 17-year-old RHP Toussaint". USA Today. Associated Press. June 6, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  5. ^ Richards, George (June 4, 2014). "Touki Toussaint could be first South Florida player picked in Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft". Miami Herald. Retrieved June 26, 2015 – via Bradenton Herald.
  6. ^ a b Clark, Ryan S. (May 31, 2014). "Toussaint stays grounded as scouts project him as top MLB prospect". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved June 26, 2015.(subscription required)
  7. ^ Glier, Ray (May 4, 2019). "He Nearly Threw It All In. But Now This Hurler Is Set for Stardom". Ozy. Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  8. ^ Clark, Ryan S. (April 11, 2014). "An inside glance at what life is like for Touki Toussaint". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  9. ^ Cabrera Chirinos, Christy (July 10, 2013). "Coral Springs Christian's Touki Toussaint, Benjamin's Matt Harris named MaxPreps All-Americans". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 20, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  10. ^ Chirinos, Christy Cabrera (June 3, 2013). "Touki Toussaint: Baseball player of the year Class 5A-4A-3A-2A". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  11. ^ Gorten, Steve (March 29, 2014). "Toussaint having another big season for Crusaders". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 15, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  12. ^ Piecoro, Nick (June 21, 2014). "Top pick Touki Toussaint signs on after doing 'homework'". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  13. ^ Manuel, John (April 10, 2014). "2014 Draft Update: Change At The Top As Pitchers Dominate". Baseball America. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  14. ^ Gilbert, Steve (June 6, 2014). "D-backs snag 'top five' pitcher with 16th pick". MLB.com. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  15. ^ McManaman, Bob (June 20, 2014). "Diamondbacks 1st-round pick Touki Toussaint inks contract". Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  16. ^ Lara-Cinisomo, Vincent (August 12, 2018). "Braves' Toussaint ready for The Show". MILB.com. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  17. ^ Buchanan, Zach (July 3, 2014). "Touki Toussaint debuts for Arizona Diamondbacks rookie league team". Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  18. ^ "Missoula Adds First Round Pick Toussaint". MILB.com. August 3, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  19. ^ "Osprey Fall In Toussaint's Missoula Debut". MILB.com. August 9, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  20. ^ Rallo, Curt (June 18, 2015). "MWL notes: Toussaint continues to grow". MILB.com. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  21. ^ a b "Touki aims to get ahead of the curve with Braves". MLB.com. December 18, 2015. Archived from the original on December 20, 2015. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
  22. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 21, 2015). "Braves acquire Arroyo, prospect Toussaint". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  23. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (March 22, 2016). "Five questions with Braves prospect Touki Toussaint". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 25, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  24. ^ "Touki Toussaint turns around struggles". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. May 20, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  25. ^ Hill, Jordan D. (July 18, 2016). "Touki Toussaint coming into his own with Rome Braves". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  26. ^ Lee, David (July 28, 2017). "Braves' Wright adjusts to professional routine". Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
  27. ^ "Arcia's run leads Mobile to 2-0 win over Mississippi". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Associated Press. July 31, 2017. Retrieved August 1, 2017.
  28. ^ "Touki Toussaint Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Retrieved December 23, 2017.
  29. ^ Burns, Gabriel (September 25, 2017). "Q&A with Touki Toussaint: Braves are 'fun environment' for prospects". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  30. ^ Boor, William (October 10, 2017). "Fried leads Braves quartet to 16 Ks in AFL opener". Archived from the original on October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  31. ^ Lee, David (July 7, 2018). "Braves prospects Austin Riley on rehab assignment while Touki Toussaint makes strong debut in Triple-A". Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  32. ^ "Touki Toussaint promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett among Wednesday roster moves". July 7, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  33. ^ "Braves' Touki Toussaint stands out in Triple-A debut". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. July 5, 2018. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  34. ^ Burns, Gabriel (July 15, 2018). "Touki Toussaint's July keeps getting better as he earns Future Stars spot". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  35. ^ Anderson, R. J. (August 13, 2018). "The Braves' extreme youth movement continues with prospect Touki Toussaint starting doubleheader on Monday". CBS Sports. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  36. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 13, 2018). "Toussaint's stellar debut spurs Braves' G1 rout". MLB.com. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  37. ^ "Braves option prospect Toussaint to Triple-A". ESPN.com. March 24, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
  38. ^ "Freeman among four Braves to test positive". ESPN.com. July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  39. ^ "Touki Toussaint Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  40. ^ Burns, Gabriel (March 27, 2021). "Pablo Sandoval, Ehire Adrianza, Nate Jones make Braves' roster". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  41. ^ Baxley, McClain (July 16, 2021). "Braves place Ian Anderson on IL, reinstate Touki Toussaint". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  42. ^ "Touki Toussaint Stats | Baseball-Reference.com".
  43. ^ "Atlanta Braves win 2021 World Series". MLB. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  44. ^ Toscano, Justin (July 3, 2022). "Braves' Matt Olson on unreal pace with hitting doubles". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  45. ^ "Strider strikes out 11, Riley homers as Braves beat Reds 4-1". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 3, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  46. ^ Toscano, Justin (July 3, 2022). "The latest on Braves outfielder Adam Duvall's left hand injury". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  47. ^ Fletcher, Jeff (July 3, 2022). "Angels acquire former top prospect Touki Toussaint from Braves for cash considerations". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved June 4, 2022. Republished by the San Bernardino Sun, the Los Angeles Daily News, and the Calhoun Times
  48. ^ "Angels News: LA Shuffles Roster Ahead of Rule 5 Protection Deadline". si.com. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  49. ^ "Guardians invite four to spring training". The. MLB.com. January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  50. ^ "Guardians sign four players to minor league deals with big league spring training invites". The Plain-Dealer. January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  51. ^ Meisel, Zack (June 16, 2023). "Guardians will call up catcher Bo Naylor, designate Mike Zunino for assignment". The Athletic.
  52. ^ Cano, Jesús (June 17, 2023). "Toussaint keeps Guards in game in short-notice start". MLB.com. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  53. ^ "Diamondbacks look to build on win against Guardians". Reuters. June 17, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  54. ^ "McCarthy hits the go-ahead homer, D-backs use 3 long balls in the 8th to beat the Guardians 6-3". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 18, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  55. ^ Van Schouwen, Daryl (June 20, 2023). "White Sox put reliever Garrett Crochet on injured list, claim pitcher Touki Toussaint off waivers". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  56. ^ "WHITE SOX CLAIM TOUKI TOUSSAINT OFF WAIVERS FROM CLEVELAND". MLB.com. June 20, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  57. ^ "White Sox re-sign OF Kevin Pillar, DFA RHP Touki Toussaint". ESPN.com. March 24, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  58. ^ "White Sox Outright Touki Toussaint". MLB Trade Rumors. March 26, 2024.
  59. ^ "White Sox Select Touki Toussaint". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  60. ^ "White Sox To Designate Touki Toussaint For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  61. ^ "White Sox Outright Touki Toussaint". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  62. ^ https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-09-30
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