Carlos Santana vs. Carlos Santana: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

The Twins signed free-agent first baseman Carlos Santana to a one-year deal this week. Almost immediately, a bunch of wisenheimers and jackanapes began making jokes about Santana bringing his guitar with him, due to the 38-year-old veteran sharing a name with the legendary rock guitarist.

While we here at Twins Daily appreciate good humor, there’s no time for jokes with spring training just around the corner. It’s important for every fan to know the difference between Carlos Santana the baseball player and Carlos Santana the rock star. That’s why we created this handy guide to help you be a better, smarter fan.

• Played much of his career with Cleveland, has also had stints with Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee: This Carlos Santana.
• Played on the Grammy-winning 1999 hit “Smooth,” by Santana ft. Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty: The Other Carlos Santana.
• Has 301 career home runs: This Carlos Santana.
• Had a real home run with “Smooth,” the 1999 Grammy-award winning collaboration ft. Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty: The Other Carlos Santana.
• Will make $5.25 million this year: This Carlos Santana.
• Will make $5.25 million in royalties this year with his melodic, tasteful guitar licks on 1999’s “Smooth,” a duet with Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas: The Other Carlos Santana.
• 2023 Walk-Up Song was “El Trote,” by Rochy RD and Yanco Bars: This Carlos Santana.
• 2023 Most Streamed Song that has Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty in a featured role was “Smooth,” by Carlos Santana ft. Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty: The Other Carlos Santana.
• Uses wooden instrument to create joy by hitting dingers: This Carlos Santana.
• Uses wooden instrument to create joy by playing his smash 1999 single “Smooth,” ft. Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty: The Other Carlos Santana.
• Distance from the midday sun is 93 million miles: This Carlos Santana.
• Distance from the midday sun is seven inches (fairly described as “a hot one”), as noted in the first verse of “Smooth,” a collaboration ft. Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty: The Other Carlos Santana.
• All-Star Game participant (2019): This Carlos Santana.
• All Star Grammy participant (1999): The Other Carlos Santana.
• Did not collaborate with Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty on “Smooth,” his 1999 comeback single: This Carlos Santana.
• Did collaborate with Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty on “Smooth,” his 1999 comeback single: The Other Carlos Santana.

As you can see, there are a whole lot of differences between these two superstars! And remember, if you need a handy mnemonic device to tell them apart, think TOWERS ART CRITICS:

The One Who Excellently Recorded Smooth, A Rob Thomas Collaboration, Really Isn’t Twins Infielder Carlos Santana

Let's don't forget about it.