Jesus David Castellano / @_JDCastellano
Veteran Dominican first baseman Carlos Santana reached an agreement this Tuesday with the Arizona Diamondbacks to sign a one-year, two million dollar contract, according to a report from The Athletic.
Santana, who will turn 40 in April, will bring experience and versatility to a Diamondbacks lineup looking to bolster its offensive production and depth at first base and in the designated hitter role.
With 16 seasons, 335 home runs and 1,136 RBIs throughout his career in the Majors, Santana reaches his ninth team in the Majors, having previously played with the Guardians (11 years), Royals (two years), Phillies, Twins, Pirates, Mariners, Brewers and Cubs.
The previous season was complicated for the switch-hitting veteran, who finished with a .219 average, 11 home runs and 54 home runs in 124 games between Cleveland and Chicago, a team with which he was in the last month of 2025 after being released by the team.
In addition to his ability to hit from both sides of the plate, Santana is recognized for his solid defense, having won a Gold Glove at first base in 2024, which is quite commendable, taking into account that the Dominican defended the catcher for a good part of his career. In fact, his eight Outs Above Average placed him in the 94th percentile in 2025.
With the signing of Santana, the Dbacks seek to balance youth and experience on their roster, with an eye toward improving production in the middle of the lineup, as well as providing leadership and knowledge of the game for a team that seeks to return to the postseason after missing the last two seasons.
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