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Cubs Sign Carlos Santana Before Postseason Deadline

The 39-year-old switch-hitter arrives as a bench and platoon option with Gold Glove defense for Chicago’s stretch run.

Aug 25, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) fields a ground ball in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images/File Photo
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(L-R) Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees and the American League, Jose Berrios #17 of the Minnesota Twins and the American League, Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees and the American League, Jorge Polanco #11 of the Minnesota Twins and the American League, and Carlos Santana #41 of the Cleveland Indians react to a ball during batting practice prior to the 2019 MLB All-Star Game on July 09, 2019 in Cleveland.
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Overview

  • Chicago finalized and activated Carlos Santana on Sept. 1 after agreeing to a deal reported Aug. 31, making him eligible for the Cubs’ postseason roster.
  • Santana was released by the Guardians after clearing waivers in a mutual decision to let him join a contender, and he owns 335 career home runs and the most walks among active players.
  • The veteran hit .225/.316/.333 with 11 home runs in 116 games this season, and the Cubs expect him to provide matchup at-bats and late-inning defense at first base.
  • President Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell cited the club’s struggles versus left-handed pitching and Santana’s experience in outlining a bench role.
  • To accommodate moves tied to the deadline and roster expansion, the Cubs claimed Aaron Civale, designated Tom Cosgrove and Ben Cowles for assignment, recalled Porter Hodge and Kevin Alcántara, and optioned Jordan Wicks and Owen Caissie.