Seattle Mariners Now Facing Competition in Battle to Sign Veteran Carlos Santana

The Mariners have been hoping to get something done with Santana, but now another of his former teams wants back in the race.

Seattle Mariners designated hitter Carlos Santana (41) hits a double in the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game two of the Wild Card series for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Rogers Centre on Oct 8. / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

We heard this past week from Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times that the Seattle Mariners were hoping to have a deal with veteran first baseman Carlos Santana wrapped up within a week.

However, the M's now face increased competition on the Santana front in the form of the Minnesota Twins, who would like to bring him back as well.

Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star-Tribune wrote about the Twins interest this week:

The Twins have interest in a reunion with Carlos Santana, who won a Gold Glove last year.

Twins Interested In Re-Signing Carlos Santana, Adding Right-Handed Hitting Outfielder https://t.co/T5c8bVXGvV pic.twitter.com/gaQ6EXImw2

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 14, 2024

The 38-year-old Santana just finished his 15th year in the big leagues with the Cleveland franchise, the Royals, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Mariners, the Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers and Twins. As Nightengale mentioned, he won a Gold Glove this season - the first of his career.

A switch-hitter with some power, he also hit .238 with 23 homers and 71 RBI. With the M's, he hit 15 homers in 79 games during the 2022 season. He helped lead them to the playoffs that season, breaking the drought after coming over from the Royals. He's known to be good friends with Julio Rodriguez and the M's desire to bring in someone who is a veteran clubhouse presence. They've been connected to both Santana and Justin Turner this offseason.

Turner ended the 2024 season with the M's after a mid-season trade from the Toronto Blue Jays. Seattle went 85-77, missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

They haven't won an American League West title since the 2001 season.

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