Carlos Santana Signs Deal With Royals

Overtime Heroics Editorial

909 days ago

Carlos Santana signs a multi-year deal with the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. The Royals’ offseason has been a busy one thus far, signing Santana to a two-year deal, worth $17 million. Alongside the power-hitting first baseman, Kansas City brought in LHP Mike Minor and OF Michael Taylor.

First baseman Carlos Santana and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a two-year, $17 million deal, sources confirm to ESPN. Royals had been heavy in the first base market and get a veteran with power and on-base skills. @JonHeyman was first on the deal.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 8, 2020

Earlier this offseason, Royals GM Dayton Moore talked about the team wanting to add to their lineup. In 2020, the Royals" offense lacked hits in key situations. Moore also added that Kansas City is not in “re-build mode" and that the club is trying to win as many games as possible.

"We expect our players to win baseball games." – @Royals GM Dayton Moore.

Watch his full convo with #MLBNHotStove here: https://t.co/PXDiYUOFtM pic.twitter.com/hoCbDZ1inS

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 4, 2020

Carlos Santana Signs: What Deal Means for the Royals

With this deal, Santana will be the Royals" first baseman for the next two years. About a week ago, when the club non-tendered Maikel Franco, it seemed that Hunter Dozier would be moving to third.

With players like Ryan O"Hearn and Ryan McBroom spending time at first, neither could be consistent at the plate. O"Hearn shows signs of potential, however, he has struggled against left-handed pitching. McBroom only saw playing time in 2020 because of O"Hearn being sidelined due to COVID-19.

With the addition of Carlos Santana, he is a switch-hitter, so he can hit from both sides of the dish. His veteran presence can help a young team such as the Kansas City Royals.

Carlos Santana is coming off a slumping 2020 regular season. He hit just .199 on the season, with eight homers, and 41 RBIs. This was by far the worst season Santana has had in his 11-year career, however, in 2019, he was a first-time All-Star and competed in the Home-Run Derby.

During the 2019 season, Santana batted a career-high .281 at the plate, along with mashing 34 home-runs, and 93 RBIs.

Carlos Santana Signs: Owning Kauffman Stadium

Carlos Santana played for the Cleveland Indians for the majority of his career, outside of one-year with the Phillies. While playing in Cleveland, Santana became familiar with the Kansas City Royals" ballpark.

While playing in 151 games at “The K", Santana has a career batting average of .288. Along with that, he has hit 31 home-runs, and 93 RBIs. Santana has also drawn 119 walks in Kauffman Stadium during his career.

Carlos Santana Signs: Final Thoughts

When Carlos Santana signs, the Royals" offense gets a much-needed power bat in their order. Alongside Jorge Soler, Kansas City now has a duo of power bats in the middle of the order alongside players like Whit Merrifield and Adalberto Mondesi.

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