The Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t done fine-tuning their roster just yet. After a season that saw them make noise deep into October, the front office is still looking to shore up the infield-specifically at first base. And while the idea of a Paul Goldschmidt reunion has certainly stirred some excitement, he’s not the only veteran first baseman on their radar.
According to recent reports, the D-backs have shown legitimate interest in two proven names: Carlos Santana and Ty France. Both bring Gold Glove-caliber defense and All-Star pedigrees to the table, and both could fill a key role for a team looking to build on last year’s momentum.
Let’s start with Santana. He’s turning 40 in April, but don’t let the age fool you-he still brings value, particularly with the glove.
Defense has long been a calling card for Santana, and even as the bat has cooled off, he continues to be a steady presence in the field. Last season, he suited up for 116 games with the Cleveland Guardians before being released late in the year.
He posted a .225 batting average and a .650 OPS, but also contributed 1.3 bWAR-thanks in large part to his defensive reliability.
Ty France, meanwhile, is a younger option who also brings solid defense and a bit more pop at the plate. He hit .257 last season with a .681 OPS, numbers that might not jump off the page but still suggest a capable bat.
The challenge with France, though, is the competition. His market is heating up, with several teams-including the Yankees and Mets-reportedly showing interest.
That could make it tougher for Arizona to land him without a bidding war.
Between the two, Santana appears to be the more realistic target. His market isn’t as crowded, and his veteran presence could be a stabilizing force in the clubhouse. He’s not the middle-of-the-order threat he once was, but as a complementary piece-especially in a platoon or depth role-he could fit nicely into what the Diamondbacks are building.
Nothing’s imminent just yet, but the interest is real. With Spring Training fast approaching, the first base market is starting to take shape, and Arizona is clearly keeping its options open. Whether it’s Santana, France, or a surprise name still to come, the D-backs are looking to add experience and versatility to a roster that’s already proven it can contend.