Santana Joins Braves
Atlanta Braves Sign Veteran Carlos Santana to Minor League Deal After D-backs Release
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The Atlanta Braves have signed 40-year-old first baseman Carlos Santana to a minor league deal, just days after the Arizona Diamondbacks cut him loose. Athlon Sports reports the Braves will owe only the pro-rated MLB league minimum — roughly $740,000 annualized — while Arizona continues to pay the rest of his $2 million contract.
Santana, a former Silver Slugger winner and the active MLB leader in career walks with 1,332, is expected to report to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. If he makes the big league roster, Atlanta would be his 10th different MLB team.
Injury Derailed Santana's Short Arizona Stint
Santana signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Diamondbacks on February 4, 2026. His tenure lasted just eight games. He exited a game against the New York Yankees on April 2 with discomfort, and was officially diagnosed with a strained right adductor three days later, according to Athlon Sports.
Arizona moved him to the 60-day injured list on June 1 after his recovery stalled. A rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno began June 5. He was reinstated June 24, then immediately designated for assignment to make room for rookie pitcher Mitch Bratt. In eight games before the injury, he batted just .083 with a .279 OPS, per NBC Sports.
Braves Get a Cheap Depth Piece With Playoff Pedigree
Atlanta entered the signing at 49-31, the best record in the NL East. The front office has made a habit of stacking bench depth. Earlier in 2026, the Braves added Mike Yastrzemski and Jorge Mateo as depth pieces. Santana fits that same low-cost, high-experience mold, according to Athlon Sports.
NBC Sports analyst Matthew Pouliot called the move a "low-risk, high-reward gamble." He suggested Santana could replace Dominic Smith as the backup to first baseman Matt Olson if Smith continues to fade. Arizona's obligation to cover most of the $2 million salary makes the deal nearly free for Atlanta.
Santana's Walk Rate Makes Him a Pinch-Hit Weapon
Santana's batting average has dropped, but his plate discipline has not. His 1,332 career walks lead all active players in MLB. That makes him a strong option as a pinch hitter in late-game situations, especially for a playoff-bound team that values on-base percentage, per Athlon Sports.
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the tough situation. "He got injured, never really got any footing here," Lovullo said, per Field Level Media. "We felt like there was a need for him, but things have changed." The release cleared waivers on June 26, and Atlanta moved quickly the very next day.
Gwinnett Stint Will Determine Braves Roster Spot
Santana must first prove his adductor is fully healed. The Braves are expected to keep him with the Gwinnett Stripers for at least 10 to 14 days before any call-up decision. If he performs well, Atlanta will face a roster crunch, according to NBC Sports.
Current bench players like Eli White and Dominic Smith could be at risk if Santana earns a spot. Critics argue the signing is redundant since Matt Olson rarely misses games. But at near-zero cost to the Braves, the move carries almost no downside for a first-place team looking to go deep in October.
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