The Philadelphia Phillies might be rebuilding, but they’re apparently not ready to punt on the next few seasons, as the organization just made a huge splash in free agency.
The Phillies have agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana, according to multiple reports. FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman was the first to report the news Friday, one day after the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings wrapped up.
Santana’s contract also comes with a $17.5 million club option for the 2021 season, according to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez.
Santana, who’s entering his age-32 season, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Cleveland Indians. He’s coming off a 2017 campaign in which he hit .259 with 23 home runs, 79 RBIs and an .818 OPS over 154 games split between first base (140 games), DH (seven) and right field (seven).
Santana has been very durable and very consistent over the course of his career, making him an attractive option for a team in need of some offensive punch. The addition of Santana means Rhys Hoskins, who enjoyed a breakout rookie season, likely will shift to the outfield full-time, with Santana manning his usual first base post.
The move comes on the heels of a quiet winter meetings and eliminates one possible target for a team like the Boston Red Sox, who are looking to add a bat this offseason.
