The active leader in consecutive games played is Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson, who now has the ninth-longest streak in MLB history. Of course, fluke injuries happen to everyone (including the very same Matt Olson), so it never hurts to have a backup option.
However, when news broke that the Braves had signed Carlos Santana, a 17-year MLB veteran first baseman, to a minor league deal, it left fans scratching their heads. After all, the Braves have not just one, but two other first basemen aside from Olson on their active roster.
Braves add Carlos Santana, to the confusion of pretty much everyone
Although Santana's prime years as a hitter are far behind him, as he hasn't had an OPS+ above 110 since 2019, he's still be a serviceable hitter, for the most part, and won a Gold Glove in 2024.
Unfortunately, the past two seasons for Santana have been rough. Last season, he was cut by the Guardians at the end of August after slashing .225/.316/.333 (82 OPS+). He got an eight-game cameo with the Cubs, where he collected two hits in 19 at bars.
This season, Santana signed with the Diamondbacks and played eight games before suffering an adductor injury that knocked him out for two months. In his eight games with the Snakes, he slashed .083/.154/.125. He didn't fare much better in his rehab assignment, slashing .125/.276/.250 in 15 minor league games before the D-Backs ultimately decided to move on.
With Olson anchoring first base, and first basemen Dominic Smith and Rowdy Tellez on the active roster as well, it is a puzzling move, but perhaps the Braves weren't satisfied with their day-to-day first basemen options in Gwinnett.
Although the 40-year-old Santana no doubt believes this signing gives him a chance at returning to the majors, it would likely take an act of God to see him don the Braves uniform at the major league level.
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