 As the Minnesota Twins look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season, President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey outlined the team’s key offseason priorities: acquiring a right-handed hitting outfielder and a first baseman. According to Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, one option that remains on their radar is bringing back veteran first baseman Carlos Santana for another year.
Santana, who signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Twins last winter, had a remarkable season at age 38. He posted a .238/.320/.420 slash line with 23 home runs in 594 plate appearances, translating to a 114 wRC+ (weighted runs created plus). Beyond his offensive contributions, Santana displayed exceptional defense at first base, earning his first Gold Glove award. Despite his hard-contact numbers being below average for the second consecutive year, Santana's ability to make consistent contact, avoid strikeouts, and draw walks made him a valuable asset. Santana's on-field performance and off-the-field leadership make him an appealing candidate for a return to Minnesota. His impressive season suggests he still has plenty to offer, and re-signing him for a modest raise seems feasible. While other teams might be cautious due to Santana’s age, the Twins recognize his recent production and the positive impact he has on the clubhouse. Though 2024 was a strong season for Santana, his performance in the previous four years, where he posted a 94 wRC+ and 2.3 combined fWAR, might lead some to view his recent success as an outlier. As a result, teams may be hesitant to commit significant resources to another one-year deal. However, the Twins are well-positioned to benefit from Santana's skills and experience, potentially securing him at a reasonable cost.
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