Carlos Santana is headed to Triple-A after signing a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves one day after being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks, following an injury-shortened and struggling stint in Arizona.
Saturday night started with a quick reset for Carlos Santana.
The Atlanta Braves signed the veteran first baseman to a minor league contract one day after the Arizona Diamondbacks released him. At 40 years old, Santana will report to Triple-A as he tries to work his way back to the majors.
Arizona’s path to parting ways with Santana had been shorter than anyone expected. The Diamondbacks had originally brought him in on a $2 million contract during spring training. but his time there lasted only through a difficult stretch that began early. He appeared in eight games before suffering an adductor strain during the first week of April. He was placed on the injured list on April 7. reinstated from the 60-day IL on June 24. and then was designated for assignment. After clearing waivers, Arizona chose to release him rather than send him outright to Triple-A Reno.
On the field, the numbers in Arizona were rough. Santana recorded two hits in 24 at-bats while posting a 30.8% strikeout rate. Over 26 plate appearances, he finished with a .083 batting average. His swinging-strike rate climbed to a career-high 14.2%. Even in rehab work. he produced limited results. slashing .125/.276/.250 across the Arizona Complex League and Triple-A Reno before Arizona ended his tenure.
The Braves are making this move with a clear understanding of what’s in Santana’s skill set. Arizona had signed him primarily for his defensive ability at first base rather than his offensive production. With Santana out for most of the season. the Diamondbacks rotated Ildemaro Vargas. Tim Tawa. Jose Fernandez. Pavin Smith and LuJames Groover at first base. The team’s first basemen then combined for a .565 OPS, the lowest in Major League Baseball.
Atlanta, by contrast, has been stronger at the position. The Braves rank sixth in MLB with an .884 OPS at first base. with All-Star Matt Olson continuing to handle everyday duties. Dominic Smith has performed well at designated hitter. and Drake Baldwin has also spent time there to reduce his workload behind the plate.
Santana’s switch-hitting profile could matter if he gets another chance with the major league club. His career OPS is 62 points higher when batting right-handed, which opens the possibility of his being used as an option against left-handed pitching if he earns it.
Santana arrives in this chapter as a veteran with a winding resume—his 17-year major league career now includes his 10th organization. He was a 2019 All-Star with the Cleveland Guardiana and won the 2024 American League Gold Glove at first base with Minnesota.
Carlos Santana Atlanta Braves Arizona Diamondbacks minor league contract Triple-A Reno adductor strain Matt Olson first base Gold Glove