The Cleveland Guardians added power and a Gold Glove-winning first baseman when they signed Carlos Santana to a one-year, $12 million contract today, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Santana spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Twins on a one-year, $5.25 million contract. Playing in 150 games for the Twins, Santana had 23 home runs, 71 RBI, and a slash line of .238/.328/.420, bringing offense along with his defense to the Guardians. It will be his third stint with the team he began his career with.
First baseman Carlos Santana and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year, $12 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. The Guardians traded Josh Naylor, and now they bring the 38-year-old Santana back for his third stint with the organization.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2024
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Carlos Santana Returns to Guardians on One-Year Deal
Veteran Experience with Power
A 15-year veteran, Santana’s presence in the lineup does not go unnoticed. His career WAR of 38.0 demonstrates his value during his career and his ability to contribute to his team consistently. During his 15-year career, Santana has accumulated 1,278 walks with an OBP of .354, indicating an exceptional eye at the plate. An OPS+ of 114 during his career exemplifies Santana’s power at the plate through his 324 home runs and 393 doubles. Even with a declining batting average, his OBP, walk rate, and power make him a reliable bat in the middle of the lineup.
Gold Glove
Having spent the beginning of his career as a catcher, Santana has spent most of the last couple of seasons at first base. His career fielding percentage of .993 at first base puts him above the league average for that position during his tenure. In the 2024 campaign, Santana’s fielding percentage of .996 was slightly higher than his career average. In the 2024 season, he also included eight Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), demonstrating his ability to be an above-average fielder in his late 30s. This defensive prowess peaked in the offseason when Santana was awarded the Rawlings Gold Glove in the American League for first baseman. It was Santana’s first time winning the award, something he had often quoted as a career goal.
The Guardians are adding a highly experienced, versatile defender with power in Carlos Santana. The combination of power, defense, and a veteran presence makes the signing an impactful move.
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