MLB Rumors: Diamondbacks Interested in 40-Year-Old Gold Glover
Diamondbacks' interest in Carlos Santana has picked up, with local reporting suggesting Arizona likes the fit, even if nothing is close yet.
Diamondbacks Carlos Santana fit comes down to defense
Santana is going to be 40 in April, but the appeal is that he’s a respected clubhouse voice and still brings real value with the glove.
He finally grabbed his first Gold Glove in 2024 with the Minnesota Twins, and that same year he chipped in a .238/.328/.420 line with 23 homers.
MLB-Related: I understand why the #Dbacks like Carlos Santana, per @ChrisCotillo.
— Diamondbacks Prospects 🐍 (@dbacksprospectz) February 1, 2026
Elite defender (8 OAA / 6 FRV) who can limit strikeouts (19.2% K%) while walking at a good clip (11% BB%).
His batted ball quality is poor, though, and has fallen off over the years.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/ANSFTDMC6x
The bat fell off in 2025 across time with the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs, where he hit .219 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs, but he still worked counts and didn’t turn into a strikeout machine.
If Arizona wants a part-time option who can start against lefties, stabilize the position late in games, and keep at-bats professional, Santana could check a lot of boxes.
Diamondbacks still shopping first base after Arenado deal
Arizona has already made a loud move by bringing in Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals, and keeping Ketel Marte in place, so the idea now feels like finishing work rather than a total overhaul.
A complementary first baseman is the goal, and Santana fits that lane alongside Pavin Smith while the Diamondbacks sort through other veteran options like Ty France and Paul Goldschmidt.
The #Diamondbacks have been linked to the following 1B options:
— SleeperDiamondbacks (@SleeperDbacks) February 2, 2026
Paul Goldschmidt
Carlos Santana
Ty France
Who is your pick? 🐍 pic.twitter.com/MFvOsERnZG
Goldschmidt would be the splashier reunion, but if the New York Yankees keep pushing to retain him, Santana becomes the more realistic veteran add.
In a division where the Los Angeles Dodgers set the pace and the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants are always lurking, Arizona doesn’t need perfect at first base. They just need something steady, and Santana is at least in that conversation.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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