The Cleveland Guardians’ lineup needed someone who could provide power, yes, but also get on base.
Enter Carlos Santana.
The 39-year-old veteran might not have 30-homer power at this stage of his career, but he sure can field and is an incredibly patient hitter.
These two traits have been greatly beneficial for the Guardians’ lineup.
In fact, he has accumulated 18 consecutive games getting on base for Cleveland.
“Make that an 18-game on-base streak for Carlos Santana. 2-run single makes it 5-2 Reds,” Guardians insider Tim Stebbins posted on X.
Make that an 18-game on-base streak for Carlos Santana. 2-run single makes it 5-2 Reds.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) May 16, 2025
18 straight games getting on base is an impressive feat that requires contact and patience.
Santana has had his fair share of battles throughout his excellent career, and he has the tools to work counts and get to know hitters and their habits.
He is an open encyclopedia of hitting.
The infielder entered Friday’s game with a 93 wRC+ and a .331 OBP.
That last mark would be his highest since he put up a .349 OBP in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.
After a brutal start, he has been turning things around at the plate and giving Cleveland a legit on-base threat to go with his impact glove.
Fans had to be patient, and the same can be said about the organization: Santana had a .200 batting average and a 63 wRC+ through April 26.
From that date until Wednesday, he has a much better 145 wRC+.
That’s the Santana who became famous for his hitting contributions in Cleveland in the early 2010s.
NEXT: Guardians Insider Says There's Hope For Struggling Triple-A Infielder
