The Chicago Cubs sign Carlos Santana, adding veteran experience to the roster for their postseason push in the National League.
Aug 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) hits a two-run double against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field.
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Chicago Cubs are making a late-season addition to their roster as they prepare for the stretch run to the postseason. According to Jon Heyman, the Cubs are signing Carlos Santana, just days after the veteran first baseman was released by the Cleveland Guardians.
Veteran Experience for Playoff Push
The 39-year-old Santana brings 16 years of major league experience to a Cubs team currently battling for playoff positioning in the National League. His signing comes at a crucial time, as Chicago looks to add depth and veteran leadership for what they hope will be an extended October run.
Santana becomes eligible for postseason play since he’s being signed before the September 1 deadline, making him a potential contributor should the Cubs advance to the playoffs.
Recent Performance and Release
Cleveland released Santana on Thursday after placing him on outright waivers earlier in the week. The Guardians and Santana reached a “joint decision” that his release was the best path forward, as Cleveland wanted to give more playing time to younger players Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus.
In 116 games with Cleveland this season, Santana slashed .225/.316/.333 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs. While his offensive numbers were down, he remained valuable defensively, recording 7 Outs Above Average at first base—tied for second in the majors alongside Ryan O’Hearn and Matt Olson.
What Santana Brings to Chicago
Despite his offensive struggles this season, Santana offers several valuable attributes to the Cubs:
More Sports News
.wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla),
.wp-block-group:where(.alignfull) > .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla) {
width: calc(100vw – (var(–side-spacing) * 2)) !important;
}
.embla {
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
.embla__container {
display: flex;
flex-wrap: nowrap;
gap: 0 !important;
width: 75%;
}
.embla__slide {
margin-inline-end: var(–column-gap);
}
.embla__arrow,
.embla__arrow:active,
.embla__arrow:target,
.embla__arrow:hover,
.embla__arrow:focus-visible {
display: none;
position: absolute;
top: 50%;
transform: translateY(-50%);
width: 40px;
height: 40px;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
line-height: 0;
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
color: var(–color-primary);
border-radius: 100vw;
svg {
width: 24px;
}
}
.embla__prev {
left: 0;
}
.embla__next {
right: 0;
}
]]>
Veteran Leadership: With 16 years of major league experience, including four postseason appearances with Cleveland (’13, ’16, ’17, ’18), Santana brings invaluable playoff experience to a Cubs roster that could benefit from his steady presence.
Defensive Reliability: His 7 Outs Above Average at first base this season demonstrates he can still contribute defensively, providing the Cubs with a reliable option at the position.
Switch-Hitting Versatility: Santana’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate gives manager Craig Counsell additional flexibility in late-game situations and matchup scenarios.
Cubs’ First Base Situation
The signing addresses a potential need for the Cubs at first base, where they’ve used various players throughout the season. Santana’s experience and steady glove could prove valuable in high-leverage situations during the playoff race.
His veteran presence in the clubhouse may be equally important, as the Cubs look to maintain their composure during the pressure-packed final weeks of the regular season.
Santana’s Cleveland Legacy
Santana spent 11 of his 16 major league seasons with Cleveland across three different stints, making him a franchise legend. His 227 home runs rank fifth in Guardians history, and he helped the team reach the 2016 World Series.
“He’s probably going to be in the Cleveland Hall of Fame here in a few years, I would guess,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said upon his release. “What he’s meant in his three different stints here, playing on a World Series team, coming back. He always calls this home.”
Looking Ahead
While Santana’s offensive production has declined, his experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable for a Cubs team with championship aspirations. The low-risk, high-reward signing gives Chicago another veteran option as they navigate the final month of the regular season and potentially beyond.
The Cubs will hope that a change of scenery and reduced pressure can help Santana rediscover some of the offensive production that made him a valuable contributor throughout his lengthy career.
Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube and the Cubs On Tap podcast and Dingers: A Chicago Cubs Podcast for more Chicago Cubs content, updates, and hot takes!