Carlos Santana DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana is expected to have an everyday role at first base to open the 2025 campaign. Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports that given Josh Naylor's departure, David Fry's (elbow) injury, and the development of Kyle Manzardo, Santana will likely have an everyday role at first base to open the season. Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that Fry could return to the batter's box early in the season but would only be able to operate as a designated hitter. The Guardians brought back their long-time first baseman in the offseason on a one-year $12 million contract. Santana spent the first eight years of his career in Cleveland and then returned for a brief two-year stint during 2019 and 2020 and will now return for his third stint. Last season, the 38-year-old held a .238/.328/.420 line with 23 home runs with the Minnesota Twins. He was very effective against left-handed pitchers as he posted a strong .286/.356/.578 line against them. As their top prospect, Kyle Manzardo, begins to develop, he may eventually earn a platoon role at first base alongside Santana. However, for now, fantasy managers in deeper formats should expect Santana to see most of the opportunities at first base.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Seattle Mariners offered free-agent first baseman Carlos Santana a higher salary and a player option for 2026, but the veteran first baseman decided to sign with the Cleveland Guardians instead. The Mariners have been in the first base market all offseason and have been linked to other top options such as Christian Walker. However, with Walker signing in Houston, the Mariners were willing to place a higher bid on Santana but were unable to agree to a deal. Instead, Santana choose to return to his old club on a one-year contract. Santana will now be the everyday first baseman in Cleveland with Josh Naylor being traded to Arizona. Last season, the 38-year-old held a .238/.328/.420 slash line with 23 home runs. Outside of Pete Alonso, other options at first base for Seattle are Justin Turner, Josh Bell, and Anthony Rizzo.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Cleveland Guardians have signed first baseman Carlos Santana to a one-year contract worth $12 million, pending a physical. This transaction occurred just minutes after the Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. This will be Santana's third stint with Cleveland. Last season, the veteran first baseman posted a .238/.328/.420 line with 23 home runs and four stolen bases in Minnesota. He tallied 71 RBI with 26 doubles. He showed a great eye at the plate with a strong 10.9% walk rate and 16.7% K rate which placed him in the 82nd and 79th percentile respectively among qualified hitters. He also held a slightly above average .330 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should expect Santana to operate as the everyday first baseman and does carry solid RBI upside this season batting behind Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez.