Cannonball Coming: Pirates Sign Carlos Santana

Yinzer Crazy's Baron Dionis

The Pirates continue to stay active this off-season with another transaction. This time they have signed 1B/DH Carlos Santana to a one year deal worth 6.7 million.

Santana, 36, is going into his 13th season in the MLB. With that experience, he brings great mentorship and leadership to a team of young guys. 

In 2022, Santana played for the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals. He did not have his best offensive year, batting .202 with 19 HR, 60 RBI, .316 OBP, .376 SLG, and a 102 wRC+. Santana has always had a good BB% and low K%. He also has a career wRC+ of 117. 100 is the league average so Santana has consistently been an above average hitter throughout his career.

Santana has a chance at setting some career records with Pittsburgh in 2023. Sitting at 278 HR, Santana could hit his 300th next season. Also at 925 RBIs,  he is nearing 1000 career RBIs.

Solid pickup for the Pirates as they look to improve in 2023. The Pirates now have three 1B now on the 40 man with Ji-Man Choi, Lewin Diaz, and Carlos Santana. Santana and Choi will more than likely alternate at 1B and DH next season.