FILE – Seattle Mariners first baseman Carlos Santana hits against the Houston Astros to score a run during the fourth inning in Game 2 of an American League Division Series baseball game in Houston, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022. The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed veteran first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana to a 1-year contract. The deal, announced Tuesday, Nov. 29, is worth $6.75 million.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed veteran first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $6.75 million. The arrival of the 36-year-old gives the young Pirates an experienced hitter who the team hopes will serve as a role model in 2023. The switch-hitting Santana split time between Kansas City and Seattle in 2022, hitting .202 with 19 home runs and 60 RBIs. He provided some much-needed pop to Seattle’s lineup after arriving in a trade in June, slugging 15 home runs to help the Mariners reach the postseason for the first time since 2001.