Third time the charm? 1B Carlos Santana back with Guardians

Field Level Media|published: Mon 23rd December, 18:28 2024

MLB: Baltimore Orioles at Minnesota Twins

Sep 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Carlos Santana (30) celebrates his solo home run as he runs the bases during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana, who began his major league career in Cleveland in 2010 and returned for a second stint in 2019, signed a one-year contract with the Guardians on Monday.

A 15-year major league veteran, Santana previously spent 10 seasons with the organization (2010-17, 2019-20) and hit .251 with 273 doubles, 216 home runs and 710 RBIs in 1,334 games.

During his time in Cleveland, Santana was an All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2019, when he achieved career highs in batting average (.281) and RBIs (93) along with a career-high-tying 34 home runs.

The 38-year-old Dominican Republic native ranks in the top 10 in Cleveland franchise history in three offensive categories: walks (second, 881); home runs (sixth); and extra-base hits (eighth, 503).

In 2024 with the Minnesota Twins, Santana became the oldest position player in MLB history win a Gold Glove Award for the first time. He also led the team with 23 home runs, 65 walks and 71 RBIs in 150 games.

Along with Cleveland and Minnesota, the well-traveled vet has also played for the Philadelphia Phillies (2018), Kansas City Royals (2021-22), Seattle Mariners (2022), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023) and Milwaukee Brewers (2023). Altogether, he has hit .242 with 393 doubles, 324 home runs, 1,278 walks and 1,082 RBIs in 2,080 games.

--Field Level Media