Cubs finalizing deal to add Carlos Santana for playoff push: Sources

DENVER — The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a deal with first baseman Carlos Santana, according to sources briefed on the negotiations, adding a decorated player who was recently released by the Cleveland Guardians so that he could pursue a better opportunity with a playoff contender.

Facing a deadline to establish postseason eligibility, the Cubs will gain a Gold Glove defender and a right-handed hitter with 335 career home runs. The New York Post first reported Santana’s impending deal on Sunday morning.

Santana, 39, has appeared in 30 playoff games for three franchises. That experience includes working with Craig Counsell, Chicago’s manager, while they were both with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023.

The Guardians first placed Santana on outright waivers, The Athletic reported last week, committing to more of a youth movement while hanging around the edges of the American League’s wild-card race.

In Chicago, Santana can complement Michael Busch, a left-handed-hitting first baseman, and perhaps bring some new energy to a lineup that has largely struggled since the All-Star break. With Santana, the Cubs will have an extra layer of depth for September and potentially October, giving Counsell more flexibility to rest players and find favorable matchups.

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