The New York Yankees are looking to fill their first base position after declining the team option on Anthony Rizzo’s contract, making him a free agent.
MLB analyst Tony Paul of the *Detroit News* has predicted that the Yankees could sign 39-year-old Carlos Santana to replace Rizzo.
Santana, who will turn 39 in April, isn’t the same power hitter he once was but remains an effective player. After a solid season with the Minnesota Twins in 2024, where he earned his first Gold Glove, Santana could be a value signing for the Yankees.
Paul predicts a two-year, $28 million deal for Santana, noting that his defensive skills and remaining power would make him a good addition to the Yankees’ lineup.
In addition to Santana, the Yankees have Ben Rice in their system, who could eventually challenge for the starting first base role.
Rice, 25, had a tough 2024, batting just .171 with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs in 50 games. However, he could benefit from learning from Santana over the next few seasons before potentially taking over as the everyday first baseman in 2026 or 2027.
Santana, who hit .238 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs for the Twins last season, has had a long and productive MLB career.
Over 15 seasons, he has played for several teams, including Cleveland, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Minnesota. For his career, Santana has played in 2,080 games, hitting .242 with 324 home runs and 1,082 RBIs.
The Yankees have also shown interest in other first base options. On November 5, GM Brian Cashman confirmed the team had inquired about Pete Alonso, the top first baseman available in free agency.
Alonso, who hit .240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs for the Mets in 2024, would bring significant power to New York’s lineup.
Despite his age, Santana has expressed a desire to continue playing for a few more seasons. His agent, Ulises Cabrera, confirmed that Santana is aiming for three to four more years in the MLB, especially after earning his first Gold Glove and posting his highest OPS (.749) since 2019.
Santana is a one-time All-Star, a Silver Slugger winner, and has appeared in 30 postseason games, where he has hit .205 with 5 home runs and 13 RBIs.
