Carlos Santana has returned to the Guardians, marking a homecoming that fans have eagerly anticipated.
Having signed a one-year deal worth $12 million, Santana is back in Cleveland for his third stint with the team. This return follows the trade of first baseman Josh Naylor to Arizona, creating an immediate need at that position. Santana’s contract includes incentives that could earn him an additional $1.2 million based on his plate appearances, including bonuses of $200,000 for reaching 500 at-bats and further bonuses for every 25 appearances thereafter, up to 650.
At 38 years old, Santana played last season with Minnesota, where he posted a .238 batting average, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 71 runs over 150 games. Notably, he also clinched his first Gold Glove, achieving a milestone as the oldest player at his position to earn this accolade for the first time. His previous tenure with Cleveland extended from 2010 to 2017, before a brief return in 2019, which included an All-Star selection, before he signed with the Kansas City Royals.
Santana is recognized for his impressive offensive contributions, ranking second on the Guardians’ all-time list for walks (881), tied for sixth in home runs (216), and eighth in extra-base hits (503). Over his 15-year Major League Baseball trajectory, he has accumulated a total of 324 home runs and 1,082 RBIs across 2,080 games. Consistency has been a hallmark of his career, with Santana delivering at least 60 RBIs and playing a minimum of 130 games in each of his 13 full seasons. His experience extends beyond Cleveland, as he has also donned jerseys for teams such as Philadelphia, Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Milwaukee.
With the Guardians now having traded Naylor to acquire right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance draft pick, Santana is set to be the primary first baseman for the team in 2025. The Guardians have a few potential first-base candidates in Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel; however, Santana’s presence offers a buffer period for these young players to develop without pressure. There’s a possibility that he might continue with the team even beyond 2025.
This trade signifies a significant restructuring of the Guardians’ infield, as they have also recently dealt Gold Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez to Toronto in a complex three-team trade. While this approach might seem risky, especially for a team with established talent, president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti emphasized the necessity of making tough choices involving valued players. He highlighted that both Naylor and Giménez had originally come to Cleveland through prior trades, indicating a willingness to adapt and evolve. “Our goal remains to find a way to field competitive teams, both in the short run and in the long haul, which sometimes means making difficult decisions,” Antonetti explained, underscoring the team’s ambition to compete for the American League Central title by 2025.
