Friday, December 15, 2017
PHILADELPHIA — Two people familiar with the situation say the Phillies and veteran first baseman Carlos Santana have agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal.
The people spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because the agreement is contingent on Santana passing a physical.
The 31-year-old Santana hit 23 home runs and had 79 RBIs with Cleveland last season, where he had spent all eight years of his career. He started as a catcher in 2010 and shifted to first base in 2015.
Santana has a .249 career batting average and .445 slugging percentage.
Philadelphia is looking to boost its offense after finishing last in the NL East at 66-96. Its top slugger last year was third baseman Maikel Franco, who had 24 home runs.
Santana’s departure is a big loss for Cleveland, which won the AL Central last season but lost a divisional series to the Yankees.