First baseman Carlos Santana has bounced around the majors in recent years as he has been a part of seven different organizations since 2022. He will reportedly get to add an eighth team to that list.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Arizona Diamondbacks and Santana agreed to terms on a one-year contract. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reported that Santana will receive approximately $2M.
The 39-year-old Santana struggled offensively in 2025. He posted a .219/.308/.325 batting line over his 474 plate appearances between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs, hitting 11 home runs and 11 doubles. Santana was still able to get on base and make contact, drawing 52 walks with 91 strikeouts, but he was unable to do much when putting the bat on the ball.
Carlos Santana could help Arizona Diamondbacks in right situation
Although Santana struggled offensively, he was still an asset with the glove. He was credited with 12 runs saved at first, trailing only Matt Olson at the position. Santana is also a lifetime .274/.371/.446 hitter in 2,855 plate appearances against left-handed pitching, hitting 94 homers and 130 doubles.
Both of those stats are areas of need in Arizona. The Diamondbacks had been looking to add a right-handed hitter to platoon at first with Pavin Smith. While Santana is a switch-hitter, his platoon splits against lefties make him an ideal option. General manager Mike Hazen had stated that he wanted to improve the Diamondbacks defense; adding Santana and third baseman Nolan Arenado should lead to a significant upgrade.
Santana is no longer the All-Star caliber player he was during his peak. However, he is still one of the best defensive players in the game at first and has a track record of hitting left-handed pitching. As his strengths are areas of need for the Diamondbacks, he may prove to be a bargain in 2026.
