Guardians release Carlos Santana as veteran first baseman explores next chapter
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians released Carlos Santana on Thursday, creating a path for him to sign with another team before the Aug. 31 playoff roster deadline if the right opportunity presents itself. The decision came after multiple discussions between Santana and the front office about his future with the club.
Santana signed a one-year, $12 million contract in December after Cleveland traded Josh Naylor to Arizona. In his first 60 games, he hit .255 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs, but his production cooled in recent months, slumping to a .191 average with four homers over his last 56 games.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt spoke highly of Santana, saying it’s impossible to put into words what he has meant to the organization. “He’s one of the best people I’ve met in the game, one of the best teammates, one of the best players,” Vogt said. Santana leaves behind a lasting Cleveland imprint, with more than 1,200 hits and 227 home runs in his time with the team, along with 762 RBIs. He ranks second in Guardians history in walks (933), fifth in home runs, and eighth in extra-base hits (524).
Vogt believes Santana’s legacy will extend into the Guardians Hall of Fame someday, noting that Santana’s impact transcends statistics. “He always calls this home,” Vogt said, highlighting Santana’s gratitude and his role in mentoring younger players. “He’s taught our young guys what it takes to have a long career. It’s invaluable.”
General manager Chris Antonetti also lauded Santana’s contributions, especially his defense and veteran leadership. While acknowledging that Santana’s offensive numbers declined this season, Antonetti emphasized that his defensive play remained extraordinary and that his leadership stabilized the clubhouse during a challenging stretch. “He was very much a stabilizing veteran presence on our team and made a massive impact on helping some of the other guys get through the inevitable ups and downs of the season,” Antonetti said.
Antonetti also indicated that it might be premature to close the book on Santana’s career, noting that there is still more of the story to write for him.
Santana’s time with Cleveland included three separate stints with the organization and a role in reaching the World Series. He leaves as a respected figure who helped shape a younger Guardians squad and offered a model of durability, preparation, and professional conduct.
Summary: The Guardians released Carlos Santana after a 16-year run with the organization, largely due to a decline in offensive production late in the season. Santana’s leadership, defensive consistency, and milestones with Cleveland leave a durable legacy, and he is expected to draw interest from teams seeking a veteran presence and impactful clubhouse influence. The era closed with a recognition of Santana as a cornerstone contributor who helped mentor the next generation.
Additional value and context:
– Santana’s blend of Gold Glove-caliber defense and on-base patience made him a reliable presence at first base through many Guardians seasons.
– His leadership role is highlighted as a key factor in helping younger players adjust to the major league stage.
– As teams evaluate their rosters for late-season pushes or future needs, Santana could be an appealing fit for clubs seeking a veteran bat with defensive versatility and clubhouse leadership.
Note on sentiment: The piece focuses on Santana’s enduring positive impact, leadership, and legacy, while reporting his release and recent season decline in a balanced manner.