Here’s a bold statement: the Arizona Diamondbacks are eyeing a seasoned veteran to bolster their first base, and it’s none other than Carlos Santana. But here’s where it gets controversial—is a 40-year-old player with a recent decline in performance the right fit for a team looking to compete? Let’s dive in.
As the Diamondbacks continue their search for first base reinforcement, reports from MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo and 98.7FM Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reveal that Santana is on their radar. However, he’s just one of several first basemen the team is considering, and no deal seems imminent. And this is the part most people miss—Santana’s appeal goes beyond his on-field stats; he’s a respected clubhouse leader, a trait the D’Backs find particularly valuable.
With 16 MLB seasons under his belt, Santana is a proven defensive stalwart, earning his first Gold Glove in 2024. That same year, he slashed .238/.328/.420 with 23 home runs over 594 plate appearances for the Twins, posting a solid 113 wRC+. Yet, his performance took a sharp downturn in 2025, when he managed just an 82 wRC+ across 474 plate appearances with the Guardians and Cubs. After signing a one-year, $12MM deal to return to Cleveland, Santana was released in late August, later joining the Cubs as bench depth but failing to make their postseason roster.
In 2025, Santana’s numbers hit career lows, with a .219/.308/.325 slash line. While his 11% walk rate and above-average strikeout avoidance were bright spots, his power nearly vanished—a concerning trend for a player entering his age-40 season. Here’s the kicker: Santana’s struggles were particularly pronounced against left-handed pitching, which is ironic since he’d likely face mostly southpaws in Arizona as a platoon partner to lefty Pavin Smith. Could this actually help him rebound?
The D’Backs are the first team publicly linked to Santana this offseason, which makes sense given his quest for a bounce-back year. He’s proven capable of rebounding before, as seen in 2022-23 after a down 2020-21. But the question remains: how much longer can Santana defy Father Time? His Gold Glove-caliber defense gives him an edge over other available first basemen, which could be a selling point for a team like Arizona seeking a part-time solution.
Now, here’s the thought-provoking question: Is Carlos Santana’s leadership and defensive prowess enough to outweigh his recent offensive decline, or is this a risky move for the Diamondbacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
