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Royals sign 1B Carlos Santana to 2-year, $17-million deal

Carlos Santana
Posted at 7:58 PM, Dec 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-08 20:58:30-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals and veteran first baseman Carlos Santana have agreed to a $17 million, two-year contract that plugs one of their biggest offensive holes while providing some clubhouse leadership for a rebuilding club.

MLB Network was first to report that the sides had reached an agreement Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Santana was an All-Star two years ago in Cleveland, when he hit a career-best .281 with 34 homers and 93 RBIs.

But he slid to .199 with eight homers and 30 RBIs while playing 60 games during the shortened 2020 season, resulting in the Indians declining his $17.5 million option for the upcoming season.

Santana has spent all 11 years of his major league career with Cleveland and has led the American League in walks twice. He's hit at least 20 home runs seven times and drove in at least 70 runs every season from 2011-19.

41 Action News staff contributed to this report.