BREAKING: The Chicago Cubs have just signed veteran first baseman Carlos Santana, according to sources from ESPN. This urgent move comes as the Cubs aim to solidify their roster for the critical final month of the season.
Carlos Santana, aged 39, brings a wealth of experience to the Cubs after a season with the Cleveland Guardians, where he hit .225 with 11 home runs across 116 games. Released by the Guardians on Friday, Santana’s signing is expected to have an immediate impact on the Cubs’ lineup as they push for a playoff spot.
Despite being a switch-hitter, Santana is likely to face right-handed pitching predominantly, as the Cubs have struggled against left-handers this season, holding a 17-19 record when facing them. This strategic decision highlights the team’s need for an edge as they navigate through the last stretch of the regular season.
Currently, the Cubs sit as the No. 1 seed in the National League wild-card race, trailing the first-place Milwaukee Brewers by 6.5 games in the NL Central as of September 3, 2023. With the roster expansion to 28 players set to take effect on Monday, the Cubs face key decisions about their current roster configuration, especially regarding veteran Justin Turner, who has been a mainstay in the clubhouse.
The signing of Santana not only adds depth but could also influence Turner’s role as the team evaluates its options moving forward. As the Cubs gear up for the final month of the season, Santana’s extensive experience and leadership could prove invaluable in their quest for postseason contention.
Stay tuned for updates on how Santana integrates into the Cubs’ lineup and what this means for their playoff ambitions. This is a developing story that fans won’t want to miss.
