The Cleveland Guardians made significant headlines this past weekend by signing veteran first baseman Carlos Santana to a lucrative one-year contract valued at $12 million. This signing marks Santana’s third return to the Guardians, a team where he has established a remarkable legacy over his career. Interestingly, Santana had several lucrative offers during his free agency, including a more financially appealing proposal from the Seattle Mariners. According to a detailed report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mariners expressed strong interest in Santana, providing an offer that exceeded the financial terms he ultimately accepted with Cleveland. Other teams, such as the Yankees, Mets, Tigers, Diamondbacks, Rangers, and Padres also showed interest in the switch-hitting power hitter before he made the decision to return to Cleveland.

Rosenthal elaborated on Seattle’s proposal, noting that it not only featured a higher guaranteed amount but also included a player option for the 2026 season. This option would grant Santana the flexibility to either return to free agency or continue his tenure with the Mariners. It’s quite intriguing to see a team willing to offer such a commitment to a player approaching his 39th birthday this April. Initially, the Mariners were Santana’s “primary focus” until the Guardians recognized an opportunity to trade Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks, another team vying for Santana’s services. This strategic move opened the door for the Guardians to extend a one-year deal to Santana, who had recently sold his home in the Cleveland area, signaling his readiness to return.

The Mariners had previously acquired Santana from the Phillies during the 2018-19 offseason, but he was quickly traded back to Cleveland before ever playing a game for Seattle. Santana’s eventual return to the Guardians in 2022, after a trade from the Royals, lasted 79 games, where he made a significant impact. In his time with Seattle, he had 294 plate appearances, posting a batting line of .192/.293/.400. Despite this subpar average, Santana achieved an impressive 103 wRC+, aided by a notable 11.9% walk rate and a commendable 15 home runs during his stint, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively.

Clearly, Santana’s performance during his previous stint with the Mariners left a lasting impression, prompting their interest in reuniting with him as they sought first base assistance this offseason. Earlier in the winter, the Mariners were reportedly exploring options to bring either Carlos Santana or Justin Turner into the fold at first base. While Turner remains a free agent, it’s uncertain whether the Mariners’ interest has continued, especially as the first base market has evolved recently. Among the six teams identified by Rosenthal as potential suitors for Santana, three have now secured their first base needs: the Rangers have signed Joc Pederson as a replacement for Nathaniel Lowe, the Yankees brought in Paul Goldschmidt, and the Diamondbacks executed a trade for Naylor, paving the way for Santana’s return to Cleveland.

For teams like the Mariners, Mets, and Padres, a variety of promising first base options still exist on the market. Justin Turner has consistently delivered above-average offensive production for over a decade, although his recent 40th birthday may make some teams hesitant to rely on him as a regular starter unless they provide ample designated hitter opportunities. Pete Alonso stands out as the premier free agent at first base, but unless the Padres or Mariners revise their budgets, it seems unlikely he will fit within their financial plans. Other veteran players such as Anthony Rizzo, Mark Canha, Josh Bell, and Yuli Gurriel are available at potentially lower costs. Additionally, the trade market may present opportunities, with the Giants possibly parting ways with LaMonte Wade Jr. and the Rays possibly considering deals involving Yandy Diaz, who has not been heavily rumored in trades this winter but was thought to be available before the last trade deadline.