Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana didn’t wait long to decide on his next destination after hitting free agency. The 36-year-old player signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates that will pay him $6.7 million for the 2023 MLB season.
Santana split the 2022 season between the Kansas City Royals and the Seattle Mariners. Although his production, a .202 batting average, 19 homers, and 60 RBIs, wasn’t eye-catching, the veteran is highly respected for his leadership skills and plate discipline. His influence was especially beneficial to the Mariners team, who he helped reach the first postseason appearance since 2001.
“He’s the man. Took our clubhouse to another level. Really smart player and a great leader,” said second baseman Adam Frazier, who played with Santana in Seattle. “He’s a big addition for the Pirates in a lot of ways.”
The Pirates now hope Santana will have the same impact in Pittsburgh. He joins a young team that has no player older than 31 and needs someone with his level of experience and vocal presence.
Carlos Santana spent the majority of his majors career with Cleveland, where he played for 10 years across two separate stints. His best outing came in 2019, when he posted career-highs across the board, hitting .281 with 34 home runs and 93 RBIs. Santana received his first All-Star nod that year while also winning a Silver Slugger award.
