Carlos Santana lands minor league contract with Braves after Arizona release

The Atlanta Braves signed veteran first baseman Carlos Santana to a minor league contract on Saturday night, one day after he was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 40-year-old will report to Triple-A in an effort to return to the major leagues.

Arizona originally signed Santana to a $2 million contract during spring training, but his time with the team was limited. The 40-year-old appeared in only eight games before suffering an adductor strain during the first week of April. He was placed on the injured list on April 7, reinstated from the 60-day IL on June 24, and ultimately designated for assignment. After clearing waivers, the Diamondbacks chose to release him rather than send him outright to Triple-A Reno.

Santana was abysmal offensively during his short stint in Arizona, racking up two hits in 24 at-bats while recording a 30.8% strikeout rate. He finished with a .083 batting average over 26 plate appearances, and his swinging-strike rate increased to a career-high 14.2%. During his rehabilitation assignment, he also produced limited results, slashing .125/.276/.250 across the Arizona Complex League and Triple-A Reno before the Diamondbacks ended his tenure.

Arizona had signed Santana primarily for his defensive ability at first base rather than his offensive production. With Santana out for most of the season, the Diamondbacks rotated Ildemaro Vargas, Tim Tawa, Jose Fernandez, Pavin Smith and LuJames Groover at first base. The team’s first basemen have combined for a .565 OPS, the lowest in Major League Baseball.

The Braves, meanwhile, rank sixth in MLB with an .884 OPS at the position, while All-Star Matt Olson continues to handle everyday duties. Dominic Smith has performed well at designated hitter, and Drake Baldwin has spent time there to reduce his workload behind the plate. Santana’s switch-hitting profile could make him a potential option against left-handed pitching if he earns another major league opportunity, as his career OPS is 62 points higher when batting right-handed.

Santana, a 2019 All-Star with the Cleveland Guardiana and the 2024 American League Gold Glove winner at first base with Minnesota, is now with his 10th organization in a 17-year major league career.

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