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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.<\/p>\nThe Chicago Cubs sign Carlos Santana, adding veteran experience to the roster for their postseason push in the National League.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Chicago Cubs <\/a>are making a late-season addition to their roster as they prepare for the stretch run to the postseason. According to Jon Heyman<\/a>, the Cubs are signing Carlos Santana, just days after the veteran first baseman was released by the Cleveland Guardians. <\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n Veteran Experience for Playoff Push<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Santana becomes eligible for postseason play since he\u2019s being signed before the September 1 deadline, making him a potential contributor should the Cubs advance to the playoffs.<\/p>\n Recent Performance and Release<\/p>\n Cleveland released Santana on Thursday after placing him on outright waivers earlier in the week. The Guardians and Santana reached a \u201cjoint decision\u201d that his release was the best path forward<\/a>, as Cleveland wanted to give more playing time to younger players Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus.<\/p>\n In 116 games with Cleveland this season, Santana slashed .225\/.316\/.333<\/a> 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\u2014tied for second in the majors alongside Ryan O\u2019Hearn and Matt Olson.<\/p>\n What Santana Brings to Chicago<\/p>\n Despite his offensive struggles this season, Santana offers several valuable attributes to the Cubs:<\/p>\n More Sports News<\/p>\n \t .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla), \t\tsvg { Veteran Leadership<\/strong>: With 16 years of major league experience, including four postseason appearances with Cleveland (\u201913, \u201916, \u201917, \u201918), Santana brings invaluable playoff experience to a Cubs roster that could benefit from his steady presence.<\/p>\n Defensive Reliability<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n Switch-Hitting Versatility<\/strong>: Santana\u2019s ability to hit from both sides of the plate gives manager Craig Counsell additional flexibility in late-game situations and matchup scenarios.<\/p>\n Cubs\u2019 First Base Situation<\/p>\n The signing addresses a potential need for the Cubs at first base, where they\u2019ve used various players throughout the season. Santana\u2019s experience and steady glove could prove valuable in high-leverage situations during the playoff race.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Santana\u2019s Cleveland Legacy<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s probably going to be in the Cleveland Hall of Fame here in a few years, I would guess,\u201d Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said upon his release. \u201cWhat he\u2019s meant in his three different stints here, playing on a World Series team, coming back. He always calls this home.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking Ahead<\/p>\n While Santana\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Subscribe to\u00a0On Tap Sports Net on YouTube<\/a> and the\u00a0Cubs On Tap podcast<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Dingers: A Chicago Cubs Podcast<\/a>\u00a0for more Chicago Cubs content, updates, and hot takes!<\/strong><\/p>\n
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