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The Arizona Diamondbacks made a notable roster move on Wednesday, officially ending what turned out to be a brief and disappointing stint for veteran first baseman Carlos Santana. The club announced that Santana has been reinstated from the 60-day injured list and designated for assignment, putting his future in professional baseball very much in question. The former 2019 All-Star and 2024 Gold Glove award winner might have played his final career MLB game.
MORE: Mets announce big starting rotation decision
Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Carlos Santana (41) makes a play at first during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Back in February, the Diamondbacks took a chance on the longtime major leaguer, signing Santana to a one-year contract worth $2 million. Even at nearly 40 years old, Arizona believed the veteran could still provide value. While his offensive production had declined in recent seasons, Santana remained a respected defender at first base and was viewed as a potential platoon option against left-handed pitching.
His switch-hitting ability and experience were also seen as assets for a club hoping to add depth to its roster. Unfortunately, things never got off the ground.
Santana appeared in just eight games for the Diamondbacks before suffering a strained right adductor early in April. Prior to landing on the injured list, he struggled badly at the plate, posting a .083 batting average with a .154 on-base percentage and a .125 slugging percentage across 26 plate appearances.
Those numbers made it difficult for Arizona to justify holding a roster spot for the veteran, especially as younger players continued to emerge throughout the season. With Santana now healthy enough to return, the Diamondbacks ultimately decided their roster was better served moving in another direction.
Sep 22, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) singles against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
While his time in Arizona will be quickly forgotten, Santana has enjoyed a long and successful major league career. The veteran slugger earned All-Star honors during a standout 2019 season with Cleveland and added another impressive accomplishment in 2024 when he captured the first Gold Glove Award of his career while playing for the Minnesota Twins.
Now 40 years old, Santana finds himself at a crossroads. Another team could choose to give the experienced first baseman one more opportunity, particularly as a bench bat or platoon player. However, after battling injuries and struggling offensively this season, retirement may also become a realistic option.
Whether he plays again or not, Santana leaves behind a career that included an All-Star appearance, a Gold Glove, and more than a decade of productive major league service.
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MORE: Mets announce big starting rotation decision
Arizona’s Low-Risk Gamble Doesn’t Pay Off
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Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Carlos Santana (41) makes a play at first during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Back in February, the Diamondbacks took a chance on the longtime major leaguer, signing Santana to a one-year contract worth $2 million. Even at nearly 40 years old, Arizona believed the veteran could still provide value. While his offensive production had declined in recent seasons, Santana remained a respected defender at first base and was viewed as a potential platoon option against left-handed pitching.
His switch-hitting ability and experience were also seen as assets for a club hoping to add depth to its roster. Unfortunately, things never got off the ground.
Injury and Struggles End Short Arizona Tenure
Santana appeared in just eight games for the Diamondbacks before suffering a strained right adductor early in April. Prior to landing on the injured list, he struggled badly at the plate, posting a .083 batting average with a .154 on-base percentage and a .125 slugging percentage across 26 plate appearances.
Those numbers made it difficult for Arizona to justify holding a roster spot for the veteran, especially as younger players continued to emerge throughout the season. With Santana now healthy enough to return, the Diamondbacks ultimately decided their roster was better served moving in another direction.
A Decorated Career Nearing Its End?
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Sep 22, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) singles against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
While his time in Arizona will be quickly forgotten, Santana has enjoyed a long and successful major league career. The veteran slugger earned All-Star honors during a standout 2019 season with Cleveland and added another impressive accomplishment in 2024 when he captured the first Gold Glove Award of his career while playing for the Minnesota Twins.
Now 40 years old, Santana finds himself at a crossroads. Another team could choose to give the experienced first baseman one more opportunity, particularly as a bench bat or platoon player. However, after battling injuries and struggling offensively this season, retirement may also become a realistic option.
Whether he plays again or not, Santana leaves behind a career that included an All-Star appearance, a Gold Glove, and more than a decade of productive major league service.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
