Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana has already put together an illustrious major-league career. In more than a decade and a half, he’s been named an All-Star, won a Gold Glove, taken home a Silver Slugger Award.
He’s played in 30 postseason games and been to the World Series with Cleveland in 2016. But the Cubs ended that run with a series comeback and Game 7 victory.
“I came here to help make a championship,” Santana said Monday, sitting in the Cubs dugout at Wrigley Field. “Before I retire, I want to [be] a champion.”
Santana joined the team in Chicago on Monday, after signing with the Cubs in time to be postseason eligible. The Cubs activated him and right-hander Aaron Civale, who they claimed off waivers from the White Sox Sunday, as the calendar flipped to September and rosters expanded to 28 players.
“Santana was a guy that we talked about at the deadline,” Hoyer said. “Obviously, didn’t get a deal done then. But this made sense. We’ve had some struggles against left-hand pitching. He’s a switch hitter, he’s a really good defensive first baseman. This gives us a veteran bat off the bench, and it’s easier to carry that when you have the extra guy.”
To make room on the 40-man roster for Santana, the Cubs designated infielder Ben Cowles for assignment. They also recalled outfielder Kevin Alcántara from Triple-A Iowa and optioned outfielder Owen Caissie.
The Cubs have almost completely remade their bench since spring training, with right-handed hitter Justin Turner serving as the last man standing. Now, they have a pair of veterans with over 14 years of service time each (Santana and Turner), an accomplished super utility player (Willi Castro), and a promising rookie (Alcántara).
Santana said several teams expressed interest in him after he cleared waivers and the Guardians released him to give him a chance to land with a playoff contender. But Cubs manager Criag Counsell, who Santana also played under in Milwaukee, was the only manager who reached out.
“It certainly made us comfortable,” Hoyer said of Counsell’s connection with Santana. “Whenever you add a guy that’s used to being a starter, and you’re putting him in a role where he’s going to be on the bench, that is something you have concerns about. And it kind of made that easier.”
Santana was in a more regular role with the Brewers when they acquired him in 2023 for the stretch run and postseason. But he could still get at-bats in high-leverage spots for the Cubs this month and into the playoffs.
“Experienced switch hitter, been in a bunch of situations,” Counsell said. “He’s at a stage of his career where he’s interested in one thing, just being a part of fun, being part of winning, and he’s earned a great reputation in the game. It’s always good adding people like that.”
Santana has already connected with Cubs first baseman Michael Busch, who is in his second full major-league season. They plan to start taking ground balls together Tuesday.
“First base is an interesting position in a lot of ways,” Hoyer said. “It’s pretty low on the defensive spectrum, but when you have a really good one – and I think Michael is that, and Carlos is that – there’s a lot of nuances to that position.”
Hoyer pointed to the impact former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo made with his footwork and reliability.
“Any little tidbits help,” Hoyer said, “because [Santana] has played there a lot more than Michael.”
While Santana prepared for Monday’s game at Wrigley Field, memories of the 2016 World Series naturally flitted across his mind.
“I’m here, and I’m happy for that,” Santana said. “We’ll see what happens my first at-bat. Now, I think a little bit nervous, but we’ll see.”