On February 10, the Arizona Diamondbacks officially confirmed a one-year agreement with free agent first baseman Carlos Santana, a move completed after Santana passed his physical. This signing comes as the team placed left-hander Andrew Saalfrank on the 60-day injured list following shoulder surgery, which will keep him sidelined for the entire 2026 season. The deal, reportedly worth $2 million, was initially reported on February 3, with the Diamondbacks required to make roster adjustments to accommodate Santana on their full 40-man roster.
Carlos Santana’s Lengthy Career and Recent Performance
Approaching his 40th birthday in April, Carlos Santana debuted in Major League Baseball in 2010 and has since built a solid reputation as a reliable contributor rather than a standout star. He is recognized for his disciplined plate approach, compiling an impressive 14.4% walk rate and a 16.6% strikeout rate across more than 9,000 career plate appearances, while posting a career slash line of .241/.352/.425 and a 114 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). Defensively, Santana boasts strong metrics at first base, including 48 Defensive Runs Saved and 45 Outs Above Average across almost 13,000 innings.
Though his offensive production has declined in recent years, especially as he neared age 40, Santana’s defense remains highly regarded. Since 2020, his combined batting line sits at .222/.321/.378 with a 96 wRC+, highlighting diminished power and contact. In 2025, while splitting time between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs, he recorded a .219/.308/.325 slash line and an 82 wRC+, though maintaining respectable 11% walk and 19.2% strikeout rates for the season.
Santana’s Strengths Against Left-Handed Pitching and Team Fit
Santana has traditionally been a switch-hitter who performs better against left-handed pitchers. Despite a subpar showing against left-handed pitching in 2025 — posting a .231/.318/.346 line and 89 wRC+ — he demonstrated elite splits as recently as 2024 with a .286/.356/.578 line and a striking 160 wRC+ against southpaw pitching. This strength aligns with the Diamondbacks’ current roster needs following significant changes.
The team began the 2025 season with Josh Naylor at first base before trading him midseason to the Seattle Mariners. Heading into the 2026 season, Pavin Smith and Tyler Locklear lead the depth chart, though both face uncertainties. Locklear, acquired from the Mariners last summer in the Eugenio Suárez trade, remains unproven at the major league level and may not be ready for Opening Day due to an October surgery addressing an elbow ligament tear and labrum injury sustained in a September game against the Boston Red Sox.
Smith has shown offensive promise but exhibits a notable platoon split, thriving against right-handed pitching but struggling against lefties. Over 2024, he slashed .270/.348/.547 with a 140 wRC+ against righties, but his numbers against left-handed pitchers were limited and much weaker, hitting just .167/.375/.167. Smith’s production also tapered off in the second half of the season amid injuries including an oblique and quad strain, resulting in only 87 games played.
Potential Roles for Santana, Smith, and Locklear in Arizona
With Locklear batting right-handed and Smith batting left-handed, a platoon setup at first base seems a reasonable approach, although Locklear’s health and performance remain in question. While Smith has shown offensive potential, his defensive capabilities at first base have not been highly rated. The Diamondbacks did not use a fixed designated hitter during the 2025 season, rotating multiple players through the role.
Santana’s arrival offers improved defensive reliability at first base compared to Smith and stronger offensive numbers against left-handed pitching. The Diamondbacks may opt to rotate Santana, Smith, and Locklear based on game situations, spreading at-bats across the group and utilizing a designated hitter spot to manage playing time effectively. Locklear still has minor league options and could see time developing in Triple-A, but the DH role could earn him more major league opportunities.
Financial Strategy and Its Impact on Roster Moves
Financial considerations appear to have influenced the Diamondbacks’ offseason decisions. Owner Ken Kendrick indicated in September plans to reduce payroll from 2025 levels, while general manager Mike Hazen acknowledged budget constraints that limited high-profile acquisitions. Hazen suggested that making a significant bullpen signing would have prevented efforts to re-sign pitcher Merrill Kelly.
The team’s search for a right-handed first baseman willing to sign for a reasonable salary led to interest in players like Santana, Ty France, and former Diamondbacks star Paul Goldschmidt. While a reunion with Goldschmidt would have been notable, the Santana contract virtually eliminates that possibility.
Reports Confirming the Agreement
Several respected baseball insiders broke the news regarding the contract. Jon Heyman of The New York Post first reported the sides were close to a deal, followed by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic confirming an agreement. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic specified the contract as a one-year deal, while John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM disclosed the $2 million salary figure. Visual coverage was provided by photographers David Richard and Katie Stratman.
Outlook for Santana’s Role with the Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks’ agreement with Carlos Santana arrives amid a transitional phase at first base, bolstering a position marked by inexperience and injury concerns. Santana’s veteran presence, defensive skills, and lefty pitching split advantage offer Arizona stability and depth. This signing reflects the team’s pragmatic approach to roster construction under financial limits, prioritizing versatility and experience over marquee names.
As the 2026 season begins, how effectively the Diamondbacks integrate Santana alongside Smith and Locklear could significantly influence their offensive and defensive production at first base. The team’s ability to balance player health, platoon advantages, and payroll restrictions will likely shape their competitiveness moving forward in the National League West division.
Carlos Santana and the D-Backs are close to a deal. Not completely done but progressing toward deal. @ChrisCotillo 1st linked Santana and AZ
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 3, 2026
Free-agent first baseman Carlos Santana in agreement with Diamondbacks, pending physical, sources tell me and @WillSammon
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 3, 2026
Told this is pending a physical. It will be a one-year deal. https://t.co/O2BYzaZjmP
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) February 3, 2026
The Diamondbacks and free agent 1B Carlos Santana are in agreement on a one-year deal. I’m hearing it’s worth approximately $2 million.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 3, 2026
