The Seattle Mariners seem to have solved their first base headache. The team just announced the acquisition of All-Star first baseman Carlos Santana, who comes to Seattle from the Kansas City Royals.
The Mariners are also receiving cash consideration as part of the deal while sending pitcher Wyatt Mills and William Fleming to Kansas City.
Seattle found itself in need of first-base help after losing Ty France to a flexor strain. While he might not be able to replicate France’s consistency, Santana represented a low-cost replacement and was among the better options on the market.
Santana received All-Star and Silver Slugger honors in 2019, but his form took a dip since he joined the Royals on a two-year, $17.5 million contract ahead of the 2021 campaign. That has particularly been the case this season as the 36-year-old switch-hitter is only batting .216 with four homers and 21 RBIs. However, it is important to note that his production has been rising in recent weeks and that he is hitting .280 against the lefties.
On the other hand, the Royals have turned the last few months of Santana’s contract into two right-handers who could help them down the road. However, that most likely wasn’t their main goal. Instead, the franchise probably wanted to open up a spot for their top prospect Vinnie Pasquantino and see what they got in him.
