Phillies agree to three-year, $60 million deal with Carlos Santana
Free agent slugger Carlos Santana and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal, according to multiple reports.
The Phillies have not announced the deal, which is pending a physical.
The contract is the biggest of the winter, surpassing reliever Tyler Chatwood's three-year, $39 million deal with the Chicago Cubs.
It's by far the most biggest deal the Phillies have handed during their rebuilding phase.
MORE MLB NEWS
- Phillies trade Galvis to Padres
- Is it time for Machado, O's to go separate ways?
- Cozart, Angels agree to a deal
Santana, who spent his entire eight-year career with the Cleveland Indians, averaged 24 homers, 81 RBI and a .363 OBP despite batting just .249 since 2011. Groomed as a catcher, he transitioned into a first baseman in 2013, tying for the league lead with 10 defensive runs saved last season.
The agreement comes on the heels of trading slick-fielding shortstop Freddy Galvis to the San Diego Padres and finalizing two-year deals with relievers Tommy Hunter ($18 million) and Pat Neshek ($16.5 million) on Friday.
In 2016, Santana set a career high with 34 home runs. Last season, he hit .259 with a .455 OPS and 23 homers and 79 RBI.
With Santana taking over first base, it likely means young slugger Rhys Hoskins will play left field, creating a log jam in the outfield that also includes Nick Williams, Aaron Altherr, Odubel Herrera.
Gallery: Top 2017-18 free agents