Go Get Carlos Santana
The Mariners are in need of a first basemen, who's shown some leadership and production, and we know just the guy.
The Mariners are poised to make a serious playoff push in 2025, and adding a seasoned veteran like Carlos Santana could be a nice piece to that puzzle. Santana, with his wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and consistent offensive production, is a perfect fit for the Mariners' needs.
I will be very clear to start, this is a piece that could fill a lot of team holes, but certainly not a piece that would complete any team, any time soon. If Carlos Santana is your big get of the offseason, something went very wrong.
Santana's 2024: A Year of Power and Patience
In 2024, Santana proved he still had plenty of gas in the tank. He showcased his power with a solid home run total and his patience with a high walk rate. A deeper dive into his advanced stats reveals his true value:
Hard-Hit Rate: 40.4% (Above League Average)
Barrel Rate: 10.2% (Above League Average)
Walk Rate: 12.3% (Above League Average)
Expected Slugging Percentage (xSLG): .458
Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+): 115 (Above League Average)
These numbers paint a picture of a patient hitter with a knack for drawing walks and hitting the ball hard when he connects. Santana's ability to get on base, drive in runs, and provide leadership would be a significant boost to the Mariners' lineup.
Why Santana is the Perfect Fit:
Veteran Leadership: Santana's extensive experience and calm demeanor can be invaluable to a young Mariners team. He can mentor younger players, share his knowledge of the game, and help create a positive and winning culture. The mentorship of Julio is massive here, if he can reconnect with Julio and you can get the best version of him, that in itself, is a win.
Offensive Firepower: Santana's patient approach at the plate, high on-base percentage, and power potential make him a valuable asset to any lineup. His ability to hit for average, power, and get on base consistently would be a significant upgrade for the Mariners.
Defensive Versatility: Santana can play multiple positions, including first base, and designated hitter, giving the Mariners flexibility in their lineup and allowing them to optimize their roster.
A Winning Formula
A 1-year, $6-8million deal could be a steal for the Mariners. Santana's leadership, offensive prowess, and defensive versatility make him a perfect fit for the team. With Santana on board, the Mariners could be poised for a deep playoff run with additional pieces, but Santana is a fantastic start.
Many of you may make the case for Justin Turner, which is definitely not too far off here, but Santana is a bit younger and could provide a bit more for you imo.. Not to mention a bit cheaper as Turner signed a $13M/year contract just last season.
It's time to make some noise and bring Santana back to the Emerald City.
