Ex-Guardians, Phillies star Carlos Santana DFA’d by Diamondbacks

Image credit: ClutchPoints

Ex-Guardians, Phillies star Carlos Santana DFA’d by Diamondbacks

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Josh Davis, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jun 24, 2026 8:30 PM ET

Former Cleveland Guardians and Philadelphia Phillies standout Carlos Santana saw his brief Arizona Diamondbacks stint take a sudden turn Wednesday when the club reinstated him from the 60-day injured list and immediately designated him for assignment.

The move brought an abrupt turn to Santana’s short stay with the D-Backs. The 40-year-old first baseman signed a one-year, $2 million deal before the season, but his stint never developed after an early injury and limited production. He appeared in eight games, batting .083 with a .154 on-base percentage and .125 slugging percentage before a right adductor strain sent him to the injured list.

Arizona announced the broader roster activity on X, formerly Twitter, as part of a shuffle that also involved its pitching staff.

“We have made the following roster moves:”

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/XLy5A0laB2

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 24, 2026

The Diamondbacks recalled Mitch Bratt from Triple-A Reno and optioned Kohl Drake back to Reno. Those moves came as the club reached the point where Santana’s rehab window and roster status required a decision.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale later added more context on X, formerly Twitter, noting the contract and the immediate nature of the decision.

“The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstate 1B Carlos Santana and then immediately DFA him. Santana, 40, signed a 1-year, $2 million contract before the season.”

The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstate 1B Carlos Santana and then immediately DFA him.
Santana, 40, signed a 1-year, $2 million contract before the season.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 24, 2026

Because players on the 60-day injured list do not count against the 40-man roster, Arizona needed to create space if it wanted to bring Santana back. Instead, the Diamondbacks chose to move on and keep roster flexibility elsewhere.

For the former Guardians and Phillies standout, the transaction feels sudden. Santana built a long career around power, patience, and steady defense, giving several clubs a reliable veteran presence.

Now, Santana faces an uncertain future after the team designated him for assignment. The Diamondbacks have moved on, leaving the veteran to wait for another opportunity as the trade deadline picture continues to take shape.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: