The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in free agent first baseman Carlos Santana, as stated by John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Despite this interest, Gambadoro emphasized that no deal is imminent at this time, and the Diamondbacks are also exploring other first base options in the free agent market.
Santana, a seasoned veteran who will be 40 years old in April, had a challenging season last year, batting .219 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs over 124 games while playing for the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago Cubs. Nevertheless, his experience and leadership qualities are highly valued by the Diamondbacks, particularly his potential to positively influence second baseman Ketel Marte.
In January, the Diamondbacks secured eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado, solidifying one corner of the infield and leaving them in search of a reliable first baseman. Gambadoro mentioned that Paul Goldschmidt, another prominent name, has also been a topic of discussion for Arizona. Goldschmidt, a 15-year veteran and former Diamondback, would provide a similar mix of skill and leadership as Santana, having spent the first eight years of his career with the team before his successful stint with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Currently, Pavin Smith serves as the Diamondbacks’ starting first baseman, but the addition of either Santana or Goldschmidt could significantly bolster the team’s performance and bring veteran experience to the position.
Notably, Santana was named an All-Star in 2019 and earned a Gold Glove award in 2024 while with the Minnesota Twins. Nevertheless, his offensive production declined in the 2025 season, where he managed to hit below .220 with a .633 OPS following consistent performances in the two prior seasons. Goldschmidt, in contrast, had a strong year, winning the 2022 NL MVP award and showcasing solid performance with a .274 batting average and .731 OPS in 2025.
As the Diamondbacks navigate this offseason, their pursuit of a veteran first baseman reflects a commitment to enhancing their roster and preparing for a competitive season ahead. This strategic approach could be a pivotal factor in their performance moving forward.