Carlos Santana returns to Cleveland on 1-year deal, leaves Twins after winning Gold Glove

By TOM WITHERS The Associated Press

FILE - Cleveland Indians catcher Carlos Santana during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, July 7, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Tony Gutierrez]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Even after leaving Cleveland, Carlos Santana remained a fan favorite and was warmly welcomed back as a visitor. He’s home again. Santana signed a one-year, $12 million contract to return for his third stint with the Guardians, who have an opening at first base after the AL Central champions traded Josh Naylor to Arizona on Saturday. The 38-year-old Santana spent last season with Minnesota, batting .238 with 23 homers and 71 RBIs. He also won his first Gold Glove. Santana previously was with Cleveland from 2010-17. He returned in 2019, made his first All-Star team and spent two seasons with the club before signing as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals.