The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to turn the page after back-to-back letdowns following their World Series run, and they’re doing it with a mix of veteran savvy and bold roster moves. After dealing away key pieces like Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez at last season’s trade deadline, the D-backs have wasted no time reloading.
Their latest move? Bringing in Carlos Santana on a one-year, $2 million deal to take over first base in what will be his 17th Major League season.
This isn’t just a depth signing-it’s a calculated addition. Santana brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a switch-hitting bat that still has some pop.
He’s been around the block, most notably with the Cleveland Guardians, where he spent 11 of his 16 big-league seasons. Last year, he returned to Cleveland for a third stint before being released in August.
He finished the season with the Cubs, appearing in just eight games and going hitless in the postseason.
Now, Santana heads west for the first time in his career, joining a Diamondbacks team that’s clearly not content to sit back in the ever-competitive NL West. While the Dodgers continue to dominate the division on paper, Arizona is quietly assembling a roster that could make some noise.
The front office didn’t stop with Santana. They made a splash by acquiring Nolan Arenado from the St.
Louis Cardinals, locking down third base with one of the game’s premier defenders and a proven bat for the next two seasons. And despite swirling trade rumors, they held onto Ketel Marte, a key piece of the team’s core and a versatile contributor on both sides of the ball.
This is a team trying to reestablish its identity-a mix of youth, upside, and now, veteran presence. Santana’s addition could be just as important in the clubhouse as it is on the field.
Reports from last season suggested some internal tension, which may have sparked the Marte trade speculation in the first place. But with Marte staying put and Santana stepping in, the D-backs are betting on chemistry and leadership to help elevate their talented roster.
There’s no sugarcoating it-the NL West is a gauntlet. But Arizona isn’t backing down.
They’ve made targeted moves to stay competitive, and Santana, while not the centerpiece, could be the kind of glue guy that helps bring it all together. If he can provide steady at-bats, mentor younger players, and bring some stability to the clubhouse, this low-risk signing could pay dividends far beyond the box score.