The Cleveland Guardians’ front office has been active in recent weeks, and their latest move is now official. On Monday evening, the team announced they had signed veteran first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana to a one-year contract for the 2025 season.
The news of Santana’s return broke on Saturday evening after the team traded Josh Naylor, with the deal subject to a physical examination. Now, the signing is confirmed, and Santana is officially back on the roster.
Santana has played 10 seasons with Cleveland across two separate stints—first from 2010 to 2017, and then again from 2019 to 2020. Over his Cleveland career, he has posted a .251/.368/.450/.818 line with 273 doubles, 14 triples, 216 home runs, and 710 RBIs in 1,334 games. He has also earned an All-Star selection and won the AL Silver Slugger Award in 2019.
Already a significant figure in Cleveland’s history, Santana now has the chance to further solidify his legacy with another season with the team. He currently ranks second in team history for walks (881), tied for sixth in home runs (216), and eighth in extra-base hits (503).
Despite opportunities to join other MLB teams, including turning down an offer that would have added an extra year to his contract, Santana chose to return to the organization where his career began.
One of his most memorable moments with Cleveland came in 2016, when he knelt with his arms spread wide as the team won the American League Championship and clinched a World Series spot. Santana and the Guardians’ fans will be hoping for similar moments in the 2025 season.
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