Diamondbacks Acquire Slugger Carlos Santana
The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially signed free agent first baseman Carlos Santana to a one-year deal worth $2 million. The announcement comes amid adjustments to their 40-man roster, which will necessitate a corresponding move once Santana’s physical examination is completed.
Carlos Santana: A Veteran Addition
Carlos Santana, who is set to turn 40 in April, has had a notable career in Major League Baseball since his debut in 2010. Though he has not been a star player, Santana is recognized for his reliable contributions on the field. His career statistics showcase impressive walk and strikeout rates, bolstered by a solid defensive reputation at first base.
- 14.4% career walk rate
- 16.6% career strikeout rate
- .241/.352/.425 batting line
- 114 wRC+ across 9,000 plate appearances
Defensively, Santana has excelled, accumulating:
- 48 Defensive Runs Saved
- 45 Outs Above Average in nearly 13,000 innings at first base
Recent Performance and Challenges
While Santana’s batting production has waned as he approaches his 40s, his defensive skills continue to receive positive reviews. His offensive numbers have dipped significantly since the start of 2020, posting a .222/.321/.378 line and a 96 wRC+ in the past three seasons. In 2025, he particularly struggled, with a .219/.308/.325 performance that resulted in a low wRC+ of 82.
Potential Role with the Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks initially planned to have Josh Naylor as their first baseman for the 2025 season. However, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, leaving Arizona with uncertainties at the position. Currently, Pavin Smith and Tyler Locklear lead the depth chart, both of whom face questions regarding their performance and health.
Locklear suffered injuries that required surgery, which could delay his readiness for the start of the season. Meanwhile, Smith has shown potential against right-handed pitchers but has struggled against lefties, finishing the 2025 season with a .265/.361/.456 line against right-handers and only .167/.375/.167 against left-handers.
A Strategic Fit
Carlos Santana’s addition could stabilize the first base situation for the Diamondbacks. As a switch-hitter, he has historically performed better against left-handed pitchers. Though his 2025 numbers against southpaws were average, he previously excelled with a .286/.356/.578 line and a 160 wRC+ in 2024 against lefties.
The Diamondbacks did not maintain a strict designated hitter in 2025, opting for various players to share responsibilities. Santana’s signing allows flexibility, as his defensive capabilities surpass those of Smith while offering a potential platoon advantage against left-handed pitching.
Financial Considerations
With a limited budget for the upcoming season, the Diamondbacks needed to be strategic in their acquisitions. Owner Ken Kendrick indicated a retraction in payroll compared to 2025. This financial constraint made Santana, a relatively affordable option, a more attractive choice compared to other high-profile first basemen.
In conclusion, the Diamondbacks’ acquisition of Carlos Santana addresses their immediate needs at first base while providing stability and experience to their roster as they head into the new season.
