D-backs Sign Carlos Santana: 1-Year, $2 Million Deal

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks have added a veteran presence to their lineup, agreeing to a one-year, $2 million contract with first baseman Carlos Santana, a source confirmed on Tuesday. The deal is pending a physical.

The signing addresses a need for the Diamondbacks, providing a complementary right-handed bat to pair with left-handed hitter Pavin Smith at first base. Santana, a switch-hitter, brings 16 seasons of Major League experience and a track record of playoff appearances to the desert.

While his 2025 season was a step back from previous years, the Diamondbacks are betting on Santana’s ability to rediscover his form. Last season, split between the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago Cubs, Santana slashed .219/.308/.325 with 11 home runs and a career-low 77 OPS+ in 116 games. He was released by Cleveland in August before signing with the Cubs.

Despite the down year, Santana still demonstrated flashes of his offensive potential. He recorded a .607 average on balls hit with 105.1 mph or higher, including a 113.2 mph single against the Red Sox on April 27. He also maintained a solid 11 percent walk rate, ranking in the 80th percentile of MLB players.

Santana’s career numbers paint a picture of a consistently productive player. Over his 16-year career with eight different teams, including multiple stints with Cleveland, he has amassed 335 home runs. He is a former All-Star (2019) and Gold Glove Award winner (2024). He currently leads all active Major League players in walks with 1,330.

Defensively, Santana remains a significant asset. In 2025, he ranked among the league’s best at first base, posting eight Outs Above Average – the third-most among all MLB first basemen – and preventing six runs. This defensive prowess aligns with the Diamondbacks’ recent acquisition of Nolan Arenado, signaling a focus on bolstering their infield defense.

The financial structure of the deal is straightforward. Santana was not eligible for a qualifying offer this offseason, meaning the Diamondbacks will not forfeit any draft picks or face any penalties for signing him. He received a qualifying offer from Cleveland in 2017.

Santana, who will turn 40 on April 8, has a career .352 on-base percentage and an above-average 112 OPS+. However, his 2025 struggles were partially attributed to a decline in his hard-hit rate (37.8 percent, third-lowest of his career) and a career-high strikeout rate (19.2 percent). He also saw career highs in chase rate (24.8 percent) and a career-low chase contact rate (52.6 percent).

The addition of Santana could allow the Diamondbacks to utilize Pavin Smith more frequently at designated hitter. Smith, a left-handed hitter, provides a different look in the lineup and could benefit from increased opportunities at the plate. The Diamondbacks were seeking a right-handed corner bat to complement Smith, and Santana fulfills that need.

While the team has not officially confirmed the signing, the agreement signals a proactive approach by the Diamondbacks to improve their roster heading into the 2026 season. Santana’s experience and potential to contribute both offensively and defensively make him a valuable addition to the team.