After winning his first Gold Glove at first base with the Minnesota Twins, Carlos Santana has become a free agent. Santana spent the 2024 season with the Twins under a one-year, $5.25 million contract. At the general managers meeting in San Antonio this past Tuesday, Twins President of Baseball Operations, Derek Falvey, wouldn’t rule out Carlos Santana’s return. While it would benefit the Twins to keep a player like Santana on their team, other teams are undoubtedly interested in Santana’s services. With 23 home runs, 71 RBI, and a slash line of .238/.328/.420, Santana can still contribute to a team, even at the age of 38.
Gold Glove First Baseman A Good Fit For These Teams
Boson Red Sox
Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic says the Red Sox need a powerful right-handed bat in the lineup and lists Santana as a contender to fill that role. Santana’s 23 home runs in 2024 would rank third on the Boson Red Sox, behind only Rafael Devers (28) and Tyler O’Neill (31). Santan’a 71 RBI would also put him toward the top of the Red Sox stat leaders for 2024. Santana’s patience and experience could also fit the Red Sox well. His .328 OBP and 65 walks align well with Boston’s need for experienced, disciplined hitters. Young hitters like Ceddanne Rafaela and Jarren Duran could benefit from watching Santana’s patience and on-base skills.
Primarily a first baseman, and occasional designated hitter, Santana could complement or replace Dominic Smith at first base. This would immediately improve Boston’s offensive output from that position with Smith’s six home runs and .706 OPS in 2024. Santana would bring Boston an experienced hitter to bolster their offense, help reduce pressure on their primary sluggers, and offer a patient, high-OBP presence.
A detailed look at which free agent starters fit best for the Red Sox https://t.co/clmsYODIvY
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) November 7, 2024
Houston Astros
Another possible landing spot is the Houston Astros. Chandler Rome of The Athletic lists Santana from a list of free agents the Astros may want to explore. In 2024, Houston’s first basemen collectively struggled at the plate. José Abreu, Zach Dezenzo, and Jon Singleton combined for a .211/.276/.349 line, 17 home runs, and 57 RBI. In contrast, Santana’s presence would give the Astros an everyday solution at first base.
Hello from San Antonio, where the GM Meetings get underway later today. Astros GM Dana Brown is scheduled to speak tomorrow. Scott Boras will unleash his first Alex Bregman pun(s) at some point. Here is where the Astros stand as free agency begins – https://t.co/z7CjwzjZvs
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 4, 2024
Minnesota Twins
Even with Falvey not ruling out Santana’s return, it would be beneficial for him to return to the Twins. First, at the plate Santana brings power and consistency. Outside of Carlos Correa and Trevor Larnach, Santana’s .328 was one of the best in the Twins’ lineup. Santana also brings defensive reliabilaty, especially after winning the first Gold Glove of his career in 2024. Finally, his experience brings a steady presence, shown by his 2.4 WAR in 2024, and can help guide younger players such as Edouard Julien.
https://t.co/8k0OGAGkOv It’s “business as usual” for the Twins front office at the GM Meetings while the Pohlad family explores a sale.
More in the notebook, including the latest on the GM vacancy, Rob Manfred on the Pohlads selling and Jorge Alcala’s exercised club option:
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) November 5, 2024
Santana’s Worth
Thers is little downside to a player at Santana’s caliber. The power he boasts, along with a Gold Glove, make him a viable option for teams looking to add power and a first baseman to their lineup. Currently, spotrac.com projects Santana to sign a one-year deal at $5.6 million. A contract like this would rank Santana 9th for first baseman salaries and slightly above the average salary for other players his age at $5.325 million. Given his production and defensive reliability, Santana could offer a high-value, low-risk option for teams seeking an experienced, impactful first baseman.
Main Photo Credits: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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