A Familiar Face returns: Carlos Santana Signs wiht the Guardians
Carlos Santana is back in Cleveland, reuniting with the Guardians for a third time. The veteran first baseman inked a one-year,$12 million deal,filling the void left by Josh Naylor’s recent trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Santana, a beloved figure in Cleveland despite his stints with other teams, received a warm welcome upon his return. His extraordinary resume includes a .238 batting average, 23 home runs, and 71 RBIs in 150 games during his 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins. Notably, he earned his first gold Glove at age 38, becoming the oldest position player to achieve this milestone for the first time.
This marks Santana’s third chapter with the Guardians. He initially played for the team from 2010 to 2017, returning in 2019 for a two-season run that culminated in his first All-Star selection. He then signed with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent.
Santana’s impact on the Guardians’ franchise is undeniable. He ranks second in franchise history for walks (881), tied for sixth in home runs (216), and eighth in multi-base hits (503).
Over his 15-year Major League Baseball career,Santana has amassed an impressive 324 home runs and 1,082 rbis across 2,080 games. His consistency is remarkable, having achieved at least 60 RBIs and played in at least 130 games in each of his 13 full seasons. His journey has also taken him to the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, and milwaukee Brewers.
The Guardians are confident that Santana will be their primary first baseman in 2025. While promising young players like Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel are waiting in the wings, Santana’s presence allows the team to develop these prospects at a more measured pace.
Welcome Back,Carlos! A Cleveland Legend Returns
Welcome back to another installment of “Inside the Diamond,” where we dissect the hottest topics in baseball. Today, we’re diving deep into the Cleveland Guardians‘ signing of veteran frist baseman Carlos Santana, a move that’s sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase.
Joining us is former MLB All-Star and color commentator, Terry Pendleton. terry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience,having played for over a decade in the Majors and watching the evolution of the game firsthand. Welcome, Terry!
Terry pendleton: Thanks for having me. Always love talking baseball!
Moderator: Let’s jump right in, Terry. The Guardians brought Santana back for a third stint. What are your initial thoughts on this signing?
Terry Pendleton: Well,this is a shrewd move by the Guardians.Santana is a proven hitter with power and a steady glove. He knows the team, knows the city, and that familiarity is invaluable, especially for younger players.
moderator: Santana is coming off a solid season with the Twins, even earning his first gold glove at 38. Is this a sign that he’s defied Father Time, or do you see any potential decline in his performance?
Terry pendleton: I wouldn’t say he’s defied Father Time, but Santana is a pro’s pro. He takes care of his body, he’s always prepared, and he understands how to play the game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he continues to produce at a high level.
Moderator: There’s a lot of excitement surrounding young players like Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel. How does Santana’s presence affect their development?
Terry Pendleton: Santana can be a valuable mentor for these young guys. They get to learn from a seasoned veteran, see how he approaches the game, both mentally and physically. He can be a calming influence and offer guidance on and off the field.
moderator: The Guardians are clearly thinking long-term by bringing in Santana.Do you think this signals a shift in their approach, perhaps prioritizing veteran leadership alongside young talent?
Terry Pendleton: Absolutely. I think this is a smart blend of experience and youth. you need that veteran presence in the clubhouse to guide the youngsters. Santana brings that stability,
and that’s crucial for a team trying to build a winning culture.
Moderator: Santana’s journey has taken him to several teams over 15 seasons. What does it say about his character and ability that he’s found success in different environments?
Terry Pendleton: It shows he’s adaptable. He can adjust to different sized stadiums, different lineups, and different styles of play. that’s a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Moderator: A final question, Terry. What are your expectations for Santana with the guardians in 2025?
Terry Pendleton: I think he’ll be a solid contributor, both offensively and defensively. He’ll likely be their everyday first baseman, provide leadership, and be a clutch hitter. I wouldn’t be surprised if he drives in a hundred RBIs and offers a steady presence in the middle of the lineup.
Moderator: The Guardians faithful are certainly excited to have Santana back in the fold.
Terry,thank you for your insights! It’s always a pleasure having your expertise on the show.
Terry Pendleton: My pleasure. Always happy to talk baseball!
We’ve heard from Terry Pendleton,and now we want to hear from you!
What are your thoughts on Santana’s signing?
Do you think he’ll have a significant impact on the young players in the Guardians’ institution?
* Can Santana help lead the Guardians to a playoff berth in 2025?
Let us know in the comments section below!
