Touki Toussaint Bio
Dany Gilbert Kiti Toussaint, known professionally as Touki Toussaint, is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Born on June 20, 1996, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Toussaint has built a journeyman career across Major League Baseball, suiting up for the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians, and Chicago White Sox. He first entered professional baseball as a first-round selection by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2014 MLB draft and reached the majors with the Braves in 2018.
Early Life and Background
Toussaint was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to Dany Toussaint and Kahaso Kiti. He is of Haitian and Kenyan descent and has an elder sister named Garielle. His familiar nickname, Touki, is a portmanteau blended from his parents’ surnames, a detail that has followed him throughout his baseball career. When he was three months old, his family relocated to Haiti, before he and his mother moved back to Florida when he was six years old.
As a child, Toussaint stepped away from baseball at age 10 after a strikeout-heavy season as a batter, choosing instead to focus on soccer and hockey. He returned to the diamond two years later after making a bet with a friend, and the decision ultimately set him on a path toward professional pitching. Toussaint attended Coral Springs Charter School for his freshman year before transferring to Coral Springs Christian Academy, both located in Coral Springs, Florida.
Path to Baseball
As a junior in 2013, Toussaint emerged as one of the top amateur pitchers in the country, earning MaxPreps All-American honors after going 6–2 with a 0.78 earned run average (ERA) and 83 strikeouts. He also contributed at the plate, hitting .458 with six home runs and 32 runs batted in. His performance that season earned him Broward County’s Class 5A-4A-3A-2A Player of the Year award. Toussaint committed to play college baseball at Vanderbilt University before opting to go pro.
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Toussaint in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2014 MLB draft, recognizing his raw talent and upside on the mound. He signed on June 20, agreeing to a $2.7 million signing bonus, and made his professional debut with the Arizona League Diamondbacks on July 2, 2014. His path through the minors began in earnest, leading to his eventual arrival in the major leagues.
Touki Toussaint Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Toussaint began his professional career in the Arizona Diamondbacks system, finishing his first season with a 2–4 record and an 8.48 ERA over 12 total appearances. He started 2015 at extended spring training before joining the Kane County Cougars in May. On June 20, 2015, the Diamondbacks traded him to the Atlanta Braves, along with Bronson Arroyo, in exchange for Phil Gosselin. The transition included an adjustment period, as the Diamondbacks had asked him to cut back on his curveball to avoid injury, and he spent time refining his changeup into a reliable third pitch.
Across 2016 and 2017, Toussaint worked his way through the Braves’ minor league affiliates, spending 2016 with the Rome Braves and beginning 2017 with the Florida Fire Frogs before a midseason promotion to the Mississippi Braves. In 145 total innings pitched that year, he recorded a 6–13 record with a 4.53 ERA and 167 strikeouts. He also appeared in the Arizona Fall League with the Peoria Javelinas that offseason, gaining additional experience against high-level competition.
Atlanta Braves Era (2018–2022)
Toussaint opened 2018 in Mississippi, posting a 2.93 ERA with 107 strikeouts before earning a midseason promotion to the Gwinnett Stripers. He made his International League debut on July 5, 2018, and was later named to the All-Star Futures Game, where he appeared in relief. On August 13, 2018, the Braves purchased his contract, and he made his MLB debut the same day against the Miami Marlins, allowing one run on two hits across six innings.
In 2020, Toussaint was briefly sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19 on July 4, finishing the year at 0–2 with an 8.88 ERA over 24.1 innings. He began 2021 on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder strain but returned in mid-July, ultimately going 3–3 with a 4.50 ERA. The Braves won the 2021 World Series that season, giving Toussaint his first championship ring. He was designated for assignment by Atlanta on July 2, 2022, and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Angels.
Los Angeles Angels (2022)
The Los Angeles Angels acquired Toussaint from the Braves on July 3, 2022, in exchange for cash considerations. He appeared in eight major league games for the Angels, including two starts, finishing 1–1 with a 4.62 ERA and 26 strikeouts. On November 15, the Angels designated him for assignment while protecting prospects from the Rule 5 draft, and he was non-tendered on November 18, becoming a free agent.
Cleveland Guardians (2023)
On January 4, 2023, Toussaint signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians, receiving an invitation to major league spring training. He made 20 appearances for the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, posting a 4.06 ERA with 48 strikeouts and three saves across 37.2 innings. Toussaint was selected to the major league roster on June 16 and started that day against the Arizona Diamondbacks, working 3.2 innings. He was designated for assignment by the Guardians the following day.
Chicago White Sox (2023–2024)
The Chicago White Sox claimed Toussaint off waivers on June 20, 2023. In 19 games, including 15 starts, he went 4–6 with a 4.97 ERA and 83 strikeouts across 83.1 innings. He was designated for assignment in March 2024 and sent outright to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. Toussaint was recalled on July 29 but struggled to a 7.43 ERA in 11 outings before being designated for assignment again in September. He cleared waivers and elected free agency on September 30, 2024.
Los Angeles Angels Second Stint and 2025
On March 11, 2025, Toussaint signed with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League, but he pivoted to a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on March 21 and was assigned to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. The Angels selected his contract on May 3, but he made just one appearance before being designated for assignment on May 6. He was released by the Angels organization on August 2 and, as of November 2025, is pitching for the Hermosillo Naranjeros of the Mexican Pacific League.
Notable Events and Milestones
Toussaint’s career is highlighted by his selection as a first-round pick in 2014, his 2018 MLB debut with the Braves, and his World Series championship with Atlanta in 2021. He has represented his team in the All-Star Futures Game and has pitched across organizations in both the major and minor leagues, as well as in winter and international leagues.
Touki Toussaint Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Toussaint’s family heritage is rooted in Haiti and Kenya. His parents, Dany Toussaint and Kahaso Kiti, shaped his upbringing and his distinctive nickname, a blend of their surnames. He has an elder sister, Garielle, who has been part of his support system throughout his career.
Personal Life
Toussaint has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye. He was raised primarily by his mother after returning to Florida as a child, and she played a central role in guiding his early path in baseball.
2025 Season Performance
Toussaint’s 2025 season has been defined by movement between organizations and leagues. After briefly signing with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna of the Mexican League, he joined the Los Angeles Angels on a minor league deal and was assigned to the Salt Lake Bees. He was promoted to the active roster on May 3 and made one appearance before being designated for assignment, clearing waivers, and being sent back to Triple-A.
Across 24 appearances for the Bees, Toussaint posted a 3–3 record with a 7.34 ERA, 72 strikeouts, and two saves in 68.2 innings before being released by the Angels organization on August 2. Following his release, he joined the Hermosillo Naranjeros of the Mexican Pacific League, where he continued pitching into November. Looking ahead, Toussaint remains a free agent, and his performance in the Mexican Pacific Winter League could open the door to another major league opportunity.