MLB Offseason Roundup: Former Pirates First Baseman Carlos Santana Headed to Twins

This is one in a series of daily articles highlighting the latest news and notes from the MLB offseason.

The Pittsburgh Pirates had interest in a reunion with first baseman Carlos Santana, but he has found a new home.

According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson, Santana has agreed to a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins. The deal guarantees Santana $5.25 million plus incentives, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Santana, who turns 38 in April, signed a one-year deal with the Pirates during last year’s MLB offseason. In 94 games with Pittsburgh last season, the switch-hitter slashed .235/.321/.412 with 25 doubles, 12 home runs and 53 RBIs while playing solid defense and providing a quality veteran presence.

The Pirates dealt Santana to the Milwaukee Brewers leading up to the trade deadline in exchange for minor league infielder Jhonny Severino. With the Brewers, Santana hit .249 with a .773 OPS and 11 home runs in 52 games.

The 14-year veteran was an All-Star with the Cleveland Guardians in 2019. He notched his 300th-career home run last season and has amassed 1,665 hits and 1,011 RBIs. He’s 70 games away from reaching 2,000 in his career and needs five more runs scored for 1,000.

He figures to check off both those milestones this season with the Twins, where he will likely serve as the primary option at first base.

THEO BACK IN BUSINESS IN BOSTON (AND PITTSBURGH BY DEFAULT)

Theo Epstein, who headed the Boston Red Sox front office from 2003-11, has joined Fenway Sports Group as a partial owner and senior advisor.

In his role, Epstein will help advise Boston’s front office, which is led by general manager Craig Breslow.

Fenway Sports Group, interestingly enough, owns the Pittsburgh Penguins after purchasing the team in 2021. I’m sure some fans in Pittsburgh would like to see Epstein, one of the most highly-respected executives in baseball, have a role with another team in the city.

Additional information can be found below from our friends at Pittsburgh Hockey Now.

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES

• The Oakland A’s acquired right-hander Ross Stripling from the San Francisco Giants for minor-league outfielder Jonah Cox.
• The New York Mets added to their bullpen by agreeing to one-year contracts with left-hander Jake Diekman and righty Shintaro Fujinami.

PBN LINKS

Former Pirates Pitcher Al McBean Dies in Native Virgin Islands

Perrotto: Liover Peguero Wants to Build Upon Surprising 2023 Stat

REPORT: Pirates Interested in Slugging Catcher Gary Sánchez

Perrotto: Aroldis Chapman Still Firing Cuban Missiles

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Ex-Baseball Executive Theo Epstein Joins Penguins’ Ownership Group

Steelers Now: Understand New Steelers OC Arthur Smith’s Offensive Foundation (+)

Pittsburgh Sports Now: WATCH: Former Pitt Player Jermaine Dixon Reminisces on 2008-09 Elite Eight Run

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