The Arizona Diamondbacks have been scouring the free-agent market for a first baseman. As recently as January 30, Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall said the team was looking for a “complementary first baseman” as part of two potential moves.
It appears there is some headway in that department. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that the Diamondbacks are linked to Carlos Santana. Cotillo couldn’t confirm if a deal was done or if it was close.
Santana turns 40 next April and is coming off a big decline in 2025. Splitting time with the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs, the veteran first baseman slashed .219/.308/.325 in 124 games. Santana is a switch-hitter, giving the Diamondbacks a potential complementary bat to the left-handed-hitting Pavin Smith.
Diamondbacks Interest in Carlos Santana
Santana is one of many options on the open market at first base. It’s becoming less likely the Diamondbacks will reunite with former All-Star Paul Goldschmidt. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the New York Yankees are interested in retaining Goldschmidt.
While Goldschmidt would have been the dream player to fill this role, it’s unlikely he would leave New York for Arizona if offered a similar role and money. That means the Diamondbacks will have to look elsewhere to fill their first base need.
The remaining free-agent options beyond Santana are Rhys Hoskins and Ty France. Hoskins has the strongest track record of the three players, but was also benched for Andrew Vaughn. France is the better defender, with +9 Defensive Runs Saved and +10 Outs Above Average.
Given general manager Mike Hazen’s comments after trading for Nolan Arenado, it’s pretty clear he values infield defense. Santana graded well defensively at +11 DRS and +8 OAA.
Not only did Santana play good defense in 2025, but he also continued to be a disciplined hitter. He drew walks at an 11.0% clip, buoyed by a 24.8% chase rate that ranked in the 71st percentile among MLB hitters.
Santana had previously hit well against lefties. He posted a wRC+ of 134, 118, and 160 against southpaws from 2022-24. However, those numbers crashed down to 89 last season, along with everything else.
Santana’s 2026 role would be a veteran clubhouse presence who starts against left-handers and closes out games at first base. His stronger defensive work makes sense for a team that has a tighter margin of error than its division rival in Los Angeles.
Concerns with Signing Santana
Santana is coming off a major decline in 2025, his Age 39 season. Not only did his bottom-line production suffer, but the underlying metrics weren’t strong either.
He recorded the highest strikeout rate (19.2%) and the lowest barrel rate (4.9%) of his career. That meant not only was he making less contact, but the quality of contact also suffered.
The expected metrics reflect that. Santana produced a .216 xBA, .346 xSLG, and .290 xwOBA. Considering his age, a decline like that isn’t unusual for someone asked to play nearly every day.
The only saving grace for the Diamondbacks is that Santana could produce more in a part-time role. Given his pedestrian production in 2025, it’s almost certain that Smith will start over him against right-handers.
As Cotillo notes, it’s unclear what Santana’s status with the Diamondbacks is. Without knowing the terms, it’s difficult to make any judgment.
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