Cleveland Guardians Welcome Back Carlos Santana
In a move that surprised many, the Cleveland Guardians have announced the re-signing of veteran first baseman Carlos santana to a one-year, $12 million contract, pending a physical. The deal marks a return to Cleveland for Santana, a player deeply familiar with the institution and its fans.
Santana, at 38 years old, continues to defy expectations. His performance last season with the Minnesota Twins was nothing short of extraordinary. In 150 games, he showcased his enduring power, hitting 23 home runs for the second consecutive year. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 114 was his best since his All-Star season in 2019, a testament to his sustained offensive prowess.
But Santana’s contributions extend beyond just hitting. His defensive skills also shone brightly.He recorded a career-high 14 Outs Above Average at first base, a remarkable feat that highlights his defensive excellence. His plate discipline remains exemplary, with a strikeout rate under 20% for the 13th consecutive season. His consistent ability to draw walks (10.9% walk rate) and avoid chasing pitches (23.4% chase rate, well below the MLB average of 28.5%) underscores his remarkable approach at the plate.
Santana’s longevity in the major leagues is remarkable. Since his debut with Cleveland in 2010, he’s played in over 2,080 regular-season games, placing him among a select group of active players with at least 2,000 games played. His career statistics speak volumes: a .242/.354/.431 batting line, 1,789 hits, 324 home runs, and 1,082 RBIs. These numbers solidify his place as a consistent and productive hitter throughout his career.
While Santana spent ten of his first eleven seasons in Cleveland, he’s since played for five other franchises. However, his power hitting has remained a constant, with at least 18 home runs every year since 2011, and over 20 in nine seasons.His peak performance came in 2019, a season where he blasted 34 home runs and posted a wRC+ of 138.
the Guardians’ decision to bring back Santana signals a commitment to experience and proven production. His leadership and consistent performance will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the team as they aim for a accomplished season.
Carlos Santana,the baseball player,has re-signed with the Cleveland Guardians on a one-year,$12 million contract.[2] the 38-year-old first baseman had a strong season with the Minnesota Twins in 2023, hitting 23 home runs and achieving a wRC+ of 114. [2]
Santana is known for his powerful hitting and defensive skills. He recorded a career-high 14 Outs Above Average at first base in 2023. [2] Santana also has a long and consistent career, playing over 2,080 games since his debut with Cleveland in 2010. his career stats include a .242/.354/.431 batting line, 324 home runs, and 1,082 RBIs. [2]