Minnesota Twins Sign Former All-Star Slugger Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It may have taken until February, but your Minnesota Twins are finally making moves. A few days ago it was trading Jorge Polanco for a top-100 prospect while filling out the pitching staff. Now, Rocco Baldelli’s team has just added its first position player to the lineup for the 2024 season.

Related: Will Carlos Santana Play 1st Base or DH for Minnesota Twins?

Minnesota Twins Sign Carlos Santana to 1-Year Contract

carlos santana
Sep 19, 2023; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Carlos Santana (41) catches a fly ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North), the Minnesota Twins have reached a one-year contract with Carlos Santana, who is likely to see time at first base and as a designated hitter.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the contract is for $5.25 million, with the ability for Santana to earn more through specific incentives that are unknown to the public. Santana turns 38 in April, and since this investment isn’t too significant, more signings are likely on the way for the Twins.

However, Santana can help fill out the Twins’ lineup, as he smacked 23 home runs split between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers, albeit in 617 plate appearances last season. Unlike Joey Gallo, Santana’s power doesn’t come with a ton of strikeouts, as his 16.8% K rate ranks above MLB’s league average of 21%.

Santana isn’t nearly the same player he once was during his All-Star days in Cleveland, but he still had an OPS of .747 last season, with an OPS+ of 103, which indicates he was slightly above average at the plate. Whether the Twins can get similar or better production out of the right-handed hitter in 2024 remains to be seen.

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