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Diamondbacks' Carlos Santana: Returns to Cactus League
Rotowire
Santana started at first base and went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's spring game against the Cubs.
Santana played in his first Cactus League game since returning from the World Baseball Classic, in which he played for Team Dominican Republic. For the Diamondbacks, Santana is expected to share first base with Pavin Smith (forearm) and get regular turns as a designated hitter.
Diamondbacks' Carlos Santana: Reaches deal with Arizona
Rotowire
Santana agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.
The 39-year-old split the 2025 campaign between the Cubs and Guardians, finishing the regular season with 11 home runs, seven steals and a .219/.308/.325 slash line in 124 games. Santana was cut loose by Cleveland in late August before being picked up by Chicago, but he played just eight games with the Cubs before he accepted being optioned to the Arizona Complex League in late September. The veteran first baseman should fill the small side of a platoon with Pavin Smith in Arizona, with Santana's ability as a switch hitter providing a path to more at-bats than a traditional platoon player.
The Cubs optioned Santana to the Arizona Complex League on Friday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Santana had to agree to the option, and he will be part of the Cubs' taxi squad during next week's National League Wild Card Series against the Padres. The veteran first baseman has gone 2-for-19 at the plate since signing with Chicago at the end of August.
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