Diamondbacks sign ex-Yankees, Pirates reliever to minor league contract

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed veteran right-handed reliever Dennis Santana to a minor league contract, according to the team’s transaction log. The move gives Arizona another bullpen option after the team made no pitching additions at the Trade Deadline.

Santana, 30, spent parts of the past three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates after Pittsburgh claimed him off waivers from the New York Yankees during the 2024 season. He compiled a 3.89 ERA over more than 70 innings in 2024 and followed that with a career-best 2.18 ERA in 2025. His 2024 season with the Pirates included a 2.44 ERA and a 29.1% strikeout rate across 39 appearances.

The right-hander also recorded 16 saves in 2025, a career high. He initially served as Pittsburgh’s closer in 2026 but went 2-for-4 in save opportunities before being replaced by left-hander Gregory Soto. Santana then moved into lower-leverage work after recording a 7.45 ERA in May. The Pirates designated him for assignment in late July after acquiring Ron Marinaccio from the San Diego Padres, and Santana elected free agency.

Compared to his last two seasons, Santana’s performance in 2026 has regressed considerably. He owns a 6.05 ERA across 41 2/3 innings, along with a 5.41 expected ERA and 5.47 FIP. His strikeout rate fell to 19.9%, while his walk rate climbed to 11.3%. He has allowed eight home runs after giving up five during the entire 2025 season.

Santana’s fastball averaged 94.1 mph this season, a career low, while his slider averaged 85.6 mph, down 1.4 mph from 2025. Opponents slugged .489 against his four-seam fastball, although his slider produced a 37.6% whiff rate.

The Diamondbacks have been dealing with bullpen uncertainty. Paul Sewald was removed from the closer role after his third blown save in late July and owns a 6.23 ERA through 39 innings. Brandyn Garcia has emerged as a late-inning option with a 2.03 ERA and 31% strikeout rate in 37 appearances. Meanwhile, Justin Martinez recently began a rehab assignment following elbow surgery.

Arizona also placed Ryan Thompson on the 15-day injured list with a low back injury, while Philip Abner took his roster spot. The Diamondbacks gain additional minor league bullpen depth in Santana, who will look to earn his way back to the majors.

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