Colorado Rockies: making the case for free agent Carlos Santana

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In their top 50 free agent predictions at the beginning of November, MLB Trade Rumors said that they believe that he is the 12th best free agent on the market. They also predicted that he would sign a three year, $45 million contract. He made $12 million last year so having an average annual value of $15 million is definitely plausible.

Santana will turn 32 in April so he won’t be getting some gargantuan length in a contract (like Hosmer, who just turned 28 last month could get).

I think that MLBTR’s prediction is just about right but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the total go to up to $50 million. Either way, that would be more affordable for the Rockies than what MLBTR is predicting for Hosmer (six years, $132 million).

Final Thoughts

Santana would provide good offensive numbers (118 OPS+ since 2016), good defense, versatility, leadership, and, also, postseason experience. The Indians went to the postseason in 2013 as well as 2016 and 2017. Considering how young and/or inexperienced most of the Rockies are in the postseason, Santana could provide some experience there as well.

Next: The case for signing Eric Hosmer

Coming from somebody who has seen a lot of him, he would be a great addition to the Rockies.