After being released and clearing waivers just days ago, Carlos Santana may become a hot commodity for contending teams as the postseason nears.
Though he struggled in 2025 for the Cleveland Guardians, Carlos Santana has a proven track record of success. In 16 MLB seasons Santana has compiled 335 career home runs, over 39 WAR, a Silver Slugger, and a Gold Glove award. Factor in his presence in the locker room and Santana makes a great fit for many contending teams heading into the 2025 postseason.
Beginning with the New York Mets, Santana would provide great depth as a defensive replacement. Santana's seven Outs Above Average at first base rank him in the 95th percentile according to Baseball Savant. This is a differential of 13 Outs Above Average when comparing him with current Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who ranks in the eighth percentile with negative six OAA. Not to mention, the Mets have only one true first baseman on their major league roster at the moment, that being the aforementioned Alonso.
Next, is another team with just one first baseman in the majors, the Philadelphia Phillies. Although Bryce Harper plays much better defense at first than Pete Alonso, Harper still pales in comparison to the prowess of Santana. Santana's Fielding Run Value of five puts him in the 86th percentile. Harper on the other hand holds a Fielding Run Value of zero, a mark that ranks in the 53rd percentile. Not to mention, Santana spent a successful season in Philadelphia in 2018, where he hit 24 home runs and drove in 86.
A final team that may be interested in Santana is the Seattle Mariners, another team Santana has played with before. Although the Mariners acquired Josh Naylor at the trade deadline, the defensive reinforcement of Santana offers plenty of upside. Despite the Mariners rostering two first baseman, their backup, Donovan Solano, has posted his worst season since 2016, compiling 0.0 WAR in 69 games. Cutting Solano and adding Santana to the lineup while moving Naylor to Designated Hitter could see the Mariners improve on their 20th-place ranking in Defensive Runs Saved.