Cubs Sign Santana, Claim Civale
- The Chicago Cubs have strategically added veteran presence and outfield depth as MLB rosters expanded on September 2nd.
- With the September roster expansion allowing for two additional players, Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of targeted improvements.
- to make room for the new additions, the Cubs designated infielder Ben Cowles for assignment and optioned rookie outfielder Owen Caission to Iowa.
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Cubs Bolster Roster with Santana, Alcántara as September Call-Ups
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The Chicago Cubs have strategically added veteran presence and outfield depth as MLB rosters expanded on September 2nd. The team finalized a Major League deal with Carlos Santana and recalled Kevin Alcántara from Triple-A Iowa to provide manager Craig Counsell with more options down the stretch.
Strategic Additions for the Final Stretch
With the September roster expansion allowing for two additional players, Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of targeted improvements. “You can’t solve everything,” Counsell said. “So, it’s kind of, ‘Where are your opportunities to strengthen and provide insurance?'”
to make room for the new additions, the Cubs designated infielder Ben Cowles for assignment and optioned rookie outfielder Owen Caission to Iowa. These moves followed the Cubs’ acquisition of right-handed pitcher Aaron Civale from the White Sox via waivers before Sunday’s 6-5 loss to the Rockies.
Carlos Santana: A Familiar Face Provides Depth
Carlos Santana, recently released by the Guardians and unclaimed on waivers, brings a wealth of experience to the Cubs. His prior connections with Cubs leadership,including General Manager Carter hawkins (from their time together in Cleveland) and Manager Craig Counsell (during Santana’s stint with the Brewers in 2023),made him an attractive target.
While Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki hold down first base and designated hitter roles, respectively, Santana offers a valuable left-handed bat off the bench, similar to Justin Turner. Despite struggling against left-handed pitching this season (.681 OPS), Santana boasts a strong career .819 OPS against southpaws, including a .934 OPS against lefties in 2024 with the Twins.
Beyond his offensive capabilities, Santana is also a gold Glove-caliber defender at first base, adding another dimension to his value.
Kevin Alcántara: An Outfield spark
The recall of Kevin Alcántara provides the Cubs with additional outfield depth and a potential sparkplug. The young outfielder will look to make an impact in limited opportunities.
Cubs Roster Moves: A Summary
| Transaction | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Signed to Major League Deal | Carlos Santana | First Base/DH |
| recalled from Triple-A Iowa | Kevin Alcántara | outfielder |
| Designated for Assignment | Ben Cowles | infielder |
| Optioned to Triple-A Iowa | Owen Caission | Outfielder |
| Claimed via Waivers | aaron Civale | Right-Handed Pitcher |