The Carlos Santana saga in Cleveland has come to a quiet end, and this time it seems there will not be another Progressive Field encore for the 39-year-old first baseman.
The Guardians on Aug. 28 released Santana two days after exposing him to outright waivers. Santana went unclaimed, so now he is a free agent. A team fighting for a playoff spot might want to add him as a late-inning defensive replacement.
Santana broke into the Major Leagues with the Indians in 2010, back when Manny Acta was the manager and three years before Jose Ramirez was a rookie. Santana played with the Guardians through 2017, and in 2018 signed with the Phillies as a free agent.
In all, Santana had three stints in Cleveland — 2010-17, 2019-20 and 2025. The Guardians signed him for $12 million in December 2024 after trading slugging first baseman Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks for pitcher Slade Cecconi and a draft pick.
Santana played in 116 games with the Guardians this season. He was hitting .225 with 11 home runs and 52 RBI when he was released. His 49 runs scored are third behind Ramirez (81) and Steven Kwan (65). Ramirez and Santana are tied for the team lead with 52 walks.
The long season and playing in 2,196 career games caught up to Santana. He was told his playing time would be diminished and that Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus would get the majority of time at first base.
Santana was batting .143 over the last seven days, .176 over the last 14 and .186 over the last 28 days. He has six RBI in that span. His most recent home run was July 11 in a game with the White Sox.
Santana is Ramirez’s best friend. The Guardians are still on the hook for the balance of Santana’s contract, which is roughly $2.4 million.