Carlos Santana has fond memories of Wrigley Field.
In 2016, he was a 28-year-old starting first baseman for Cleveland, which faced the Chicago Cubs in that historic World Series. The Cubs won in seven games, but Santana said he was happy to play in the championship.
He is now 39 years old and still without a World Series ring. The Cubs signed the switch-hitter to a major-league contract Monday as teams were allowed to expand their rosters to 28 players.
“There are a lot of memories,” Santana said. “In 2016, it was one of my dreams to win a championship. I’m sorry Cleveland couldn’t win but the first time I played in a World Series, we were here.”
The well-travelled Santana wants to win the ultimate prize. In a Cubs uniform.
“I come here (to win) a championship before I retire,” Santana said. “The first thing I did this morning when I woke up is that I told God ‘Thank you for giving me one of my dreams to play here in Wrigley Field and represent the Chicago Cubs.’
“My dream is to play here and I’m here.”
Santana struck out on three pitches in the bottom of the ninth in his Cubs debut, but the team went on to beat Atlanta, 7-6 in 10 innings in front of a Wrigley Field holiday crowd of 39,673.
Catcher Carson Kelly’s two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth knotted the score at 6-6 after the Cubs chipped away at a 6-1 deficit. Kelly’s double along the left-field line brought home automatic runner Seiya Suzuki with the winning run for the Cubs (79-59).
Ian Happ had three hits, including a fourth-inning home run. Reliever Andrew Kitteridge (4-3) picked up the win.
Santana came to Chicago hitting .241 with 403 doubles, 335 home runs and 1,144 RBIs in 2,196 games in his 16-season MLB career. His 1,330 walks leads the majors among active players. This year, in his third stint with Cleveland, he was hitting .225 in 116 games with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs before being released Thursday.
He played 52 games with the Milwaukee Brewers for Craig Counsell in 2023 and the two have mutual respect. But with Michael Busch and Justin Turner manning first base, playing time might be hard for Santana to obtain.
“He’s an experienced switch-hitter who has been in a bunch of situations,” Counsell said. “I think he’s in a stage of his career where he wants to be a part of the fun and a part of winning. He’s earned a great reputation in the game. It’s good adding people like that.
“Carlos is ready to enjoy a fun month here — hopefully two months here. If you are 39 and still playing major-league baseball, that’s your attitude. You don’t have to prove anything. He’s already proven it.”
Cubs president Jed Hoyer said they were looking at Santana in July before the trade deadline and were glad they could sign him this week.
“When you add a guy who is used to being a starter and putting him in a role on the bench, it’s something you have concerns about,” Hoyer said. “(Counsell’s relationship with Santana) kind of made that easier. You can tell what kind of teammate he is. He brings that energy every day. Given his age and experience, he is excited to be in this environment and I think it will be positive.”
Photos: Chicago Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves in extra innings at Wrigley Field
Santana said he is ready to do whatever is needed.
“I came here for a couple of (reasons),” he said. “The energy is great. We have great players, fans and city. I know the manager, Craig Counsell. So, I’m excited for me and my family.
“Whatever the team needs me to do, I’ll be open. I’ll play whatever position they want. I can do it.”
Some other roster changes included recalling outfielder Kevin Alcántara from Triple-A Iowa and sending down Owen Caissie.
The 23-year-old Caissie didn’t find much playing time and hit .208 in 11 games with one home run and four RBI.
“I let him know ‘your major-league season is not over,’’’ Counsell said. “When you get down at this time of year, you think that your major-league season could be over. But I think it’s important for him not to think that.”
Alcántara, also 23, may also see limited playing time, but Counsell and Hoyer said that he could spell slumping Pete Crow-Armstrong against left-handed pitchers.
On Sunday, the Cubs claimed White Sox starting pitcher Aaron Civale off waivers and he reported Monday morning. He also played for the Brewers this season following a June 13 trade. Counsell said the right-hander would start in the bullpen but stay stretched out in case the team needs an extra starter.
Civale came to the Cubs with a 3-9 and a 5.26 ERA in 18 appearances with the Brewers and White Sox. He pitched on Wednesday against Kansas City and gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. On Monday, in his Cubs debut, he threw three scoreless innings, striking out four.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Santana, the Cubs designated infielder Ben Cowles for assignment.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.