Cubs Sign Veteran First Baseman Carlos Santana to Boost Lineup

The Chicago Cubs are making a pair of notable roster moves as they gear up for the final stretch of the season. The headline here is the signing of veteran first baseman Carlos Santana.

Santana, 39, just got released by the Cleveland Guardians a few days ago. The Cubs want him to boost their offense—especially against left-handed pitching—and bring some much-needed veteran leadership to a team eyeing the postseason.

Along with Santana’s arrival, the Cubs have kept busy shuffling their roster. They’ve added relievers, made position player moves, and are clearly trying to deepen their bench as they chase a National League wild-card spot.

Carlos Santana Joins the Cubs

Offensive consistency has been a real struggle for the Cubs this year. They’re hoping Santana’s experience and knack for situational hitting might give them a late-season edge.

He’s only hitting .225 with 11 home runs in 116 games this season, but his ability to work a count and offer switch-hitting power still matters. Sometimes, you just need someone who can grind out an at-bat.

Over his 16-year Major League career, Santana has suited up for seven different teams. Most of his time came in Cleveland, and he’s got a career .778 OPS—so he knows how to get on base and contribute, even if he’s not a batting champ.

A Strategic Fit Against Left-Handed Pitching

Santana’s a switch-hitter, but the Cubs mostly want him batting right-handed. Chicago’s lineup has really struggled against lefties, so his righty swing could help balance things out.

Manager Craig Counsell will probably use him in matchups where his patient approach can frustrate left-handed pitchers. It’s a bit of a chess move, honestly.

This move could affect playing time for regular first baseman Michael Busch and veteran Justin Turner, who’s often filled in for Busch. With rosters expanding to 28, the Cubs have some wiggle room, but Turner’s role might shrink if Santana gets hot down the stretch.

Additional Cubs Roster Moves

Santana’s signing is just one piece of a busy Cubs roster shakeup. Chicago’s front office is clearly trying to beef up both the lineup and bullpen for September.

Pitching Reinforcements and Bullpen Adjustments

The Cubs claimed right-hander Aaron Civale off waivers from the Chicago White Sox. They want to try him in the bullpen, even though he’s usually a starter.

Civale could give them valuable multi-inning relief when games get tight. It’s a bit of a gamble, but sometimes those pay off.

Reliever Porter Hodge got recalled from the minors, while lefty Jordan Wicks was sent to Triple-A to make room. Left-hander Tom Cosgrove was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

Position Player Shuffles

The Cubs are also tweaking their outfield. They called up promising young outfielder Kevin Alcantara, while Owen Caissie heads back to the minors.

Both guys are part of the team’s future, but Alcantara’s promotion shows the Cubs want to see if his athleticism and raw hitting can make a difference in some meaningful September games.

Playoff Positioning and the Road Ahead

The Cubs enter the season’s final month in a weird spot—leading the National League wild-card race but still trailing the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by 6.5 games. Every win feels like it matters more than the last, and the front office isn’t sitting back hoping for the best.

Santana’s veteran presence could really help a young clubhouse as they try to handle the pressure of a playoff push. He’s been in high-stakes games before, and his patience at the plate tends to settle a lineup during tense moments. If he can come up big against lefties, maybe he’s the difference-maker the Cubs have been looking for.

Key Takeaways on the Cubs’ Moves

• The Cubs signed veteran 1B Carlos Santana to help with struggles against left-handed pitching.
• Justin Turner might see less playing time now that Santana’s here.
• They claimed pitcher Aaron Civale off waivers, and he’ll work out of the bullpen.
• Kevin Alcantara just got promoted, while Owen Caissie was optioned.
• The Cubs have a wild-card lead, but they’re still behind the Brewers in the NL Central.

The postseason’s right there, almost in reach. The Cubs are making some targeted moves to patch up weak spots and add a little more depth.

It feels like the next few weeks could make or break things, especially with Carlos Santana now in the mix.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs signing veteran 1B Santana, source says