Braves Add Veteran Slugger via Minor League Contract

Another veteran has joined the Braves system Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Braves Add Veteran Slugger via Minor League Contract

Originally posted on Atlanta Braves on SI
By Harrison Smajovits | Last updated Jun 28, 2026 12:22 AM ET

The Atlanta Braves are active in the late hours of the night once again. According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, they have signed Carlos Santana to a minor league contract. He will be assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a minor league contract, sources tell ESPN. Santana, 40, will head to Triple-A, where he provides insurance for Atlanta and can try to get back to the big leagues after being released by Arizona.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 28, 2026

He will provide a veteran bat in the system. It can be presumed he has an opt out in case a team comes a long looking to offer him a major league contract. The Braves, for now, have the option to bring him into the fold if they choose.

Santana was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, a couple of days after he had been designated for assignment. In eight games played, he went 2-for-24 (.083) with a double and two walks.

His stats with Triple-A Reno were not much better, if at all. He went 3-for-36, which is also .083 batting average. At the very least, he provides a veteran option in the system.

The Braves have taken a liking to late-night moves recently. Last week, they pulled the trigger on a trade to bring in catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates after midnight.

Saturday night saw the Braves drop a game to the San Francisco Giants, 5-0. They have a rubber match on Sunday. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. EDT.

This article first appeared on Atlanta Braves on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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