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Diamondbacks signing former All-Star first baseman

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 6:39 PM ET

Carlos Santana’s MLB career is not over yet.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are signing Santana to a 1-year deal that is worth $2 million, according to Arizona sports radio host John Gambadoro. Santana will be 40 in April and has played 16 seasons in MLB. He is best known for his 11 seasons with the Cleveland Guardians (spread over three different stints).

Santana is best known for his patience at the plate, which has resulted in him leading the American League in walks in both 2014 and 2020. He was an All-Star in 2019 when he matched his career high with 34 home runs, and set a career-high mark with a .911 OPS.

Gambadoro suggests that Santana will form a platoon with Arizona first baseman Pavin Smith, providing them an option against left-handed pitchers, as well as a good defensive first baseman.

Carlos Santana hits lefties very well so a natural 1B platoon with Pavin Smith. But he is still a superior defensive first baseman so will get more opportunities to play because the Diamondbacks had a huge emphasis on fixing their defense this off-season. Arizona does have to…
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 3, 2026

Santana, who is a switch-hitter, had a .664 OPS against lefties last season, which was better than his .619 OPS against right-handers. Santana batted .219 with a .633 OPS in 2025. He spent time with both the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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