Diamondbacks Pursue Carlos Santana for Roster Enhancement
The Arizona Diamondbacks are actively seeking to enhance their roster by pursuing veteran first baseman Carlos Santana. According to reports from Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Santana is among several options the team is considering to bolster their lineup at first base. Although negotiations are currently at an early stage, Santana’s experience and leadership capabilities attract the Diamondbacks’ interest.
Carlos Santana: A Veteran with Leadership Qualities
Carlos Santana brings 16 seasons of Major League Baseball (MLB) experience to the table. His status as a clubhouse leader adds significant appeal to the Diamondbacks, alongside his capabilities on the field. In 2024, he achieved a career milestone by winning his first Gold Glove award, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Recent Performance and Statistics
In the 2024 season, Santana played for the Minnesota Twins, achieving a solid batting line of .238/.328/.420, alongside 23 home runs across 594 plate appearances and a wRC+ of 113. However, his performance declined in 2025, hitting .219/.308/.325 over 474 plate appearances with the Guardians and Cubs, resulting in a wRC+ of 82.
- 2024 Season: .238/.328/.420, 23 home runs
- 2025 Season: .219/.308/.325, 2 hits in 19 plate appearances for the Cubs
- Career Highs: First Gold Glove award in 2024
Despite maintaining an impressive 11% walk rate and avoiding strikeouts well during his recent season, Santana struggled to produce power numbers, particularly as he transitioned into his age-39 season. A notable trend was his decreased effectiveness against left-handed pitchers, which is a concern given his projected role in Arizona.
Potential Fit with the Diamondbacks
As Santana enters his age-40 season, he is looking for a resurgence in performance. His left-handed hitting platoon partner with the Diamondbacks would likely be Pavin Smith, providing a favorable matchup against southpaw pitchers. This dynamic could assist Santana in reclaiming some of his previous power at the plate.
The Diamondbacks are the first team to openly pursue Santana in the ongoing offseason. With his career track record and strong defensive skills, he could serve as a valuable part-time first baseman. The team appears eager to see if Santana can replicate previous bounce-back years following less productive seasons.
As the offseason progresses, the Diamondbacks’ interest in Carlos Santana could potentially lead to a beneficial arrangement for both the player and the franchise.
