Carlos Santana

[William Malone]

Carlos Santana was born on April 8, 1986 in the Dominican Republic.

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed him as an amateur free agent in 2005. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians at the 2008 deadline, as part of a prospect package for veteran infielder Casey Blake. Santana made his Major League debut for Cleveland in 2010. He began his career as a catcher, but transitioned to first base in 2014.

His long career has included stints with Cleveland (2010-17, 2019-20, 2025), the Philadelphia Phillies (2018), Kansas City Royals (2021-22), Seattle Mariners (2022), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023), Milwaukee Brewers (2023), Minnesota Twins (2024) and Chicago Cubs (2025). Santana rarely recorded a strong batting average, but his ability to draw walks still made him a solid on-base threat. He led the league in walks two times, and finished in the top ten 12 times.

Minnesota signed Santana to one year, $5.2 million contract ahead of the 2024 campaign. He began the year with a three game hitting streak, but ultimately struggled out of the gate by finishing April with a .621 OPS. His bat came around in the middle months, slashing .269/.352/.458 with ten home runs from the beginning of May through the end of July. Santana finished 2024 with a .238/.328/.420 slash line, driving in 71 runs in 150 games. Nine of his 23 home runs either tied the game or gave Minnesota the lead. He was awarded the Gold Glove for his defensive efforts at first base.

He returned to Cleveland for a third stint with the Guardians in 2025. In the middle of a career worst season, he was released in August. The Chicago Cubs signed him. Santana appeared in eight games down the stretch, but was left off the Cubs playoff roster.

View full player