Dodgers: Pass or pursue on the 10 biggest free agents this offseason
By Jason Reed
9. 1B/DH Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana saw a slight dip in production with the Cleveland Indians last season, but still was one of the best bats the Indians had to offer. The team went all out by adding Edwin Encarnacion trying to match the dominant pitching staff with a great offense. Because of those efforts, and other key free agents, the Indians may not be able to retain Carlos Santana.
Santana has called the Cleveland Indians home for his entire career, dating back to 2010. However, it may be in the best interest in both sides as Santana could make more money elsewhere that the Indians could not pay him. Spotrac values his next contract at $17 million annually, so Santana is in for quite the payday.
That is pretty good for a converted catcher who now plays first base. Last season, Santana hit .259 with 23 home runs and 79 RBIs. Again, that is down from his 34 home runs and 87 RBIs from 2016, but is it still solid nonetheless.
However, the Dodgers simply do not have any room for another left-handed bat. Adrian Gonzalez looks to be Cody Bellinger‘s back up at first base and there is no DH role to put Santana. His catching days are definitely behind him, and quite frankly, this is not a good matchup at all for either side.
Expect Santana to remain in the American League where he can DH later in his career to keep his offensive game alive.