The hits keep coming for the Cleveland Indians. According to FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman, first baseman Carlos Santana has agreed to a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Per Heyman, Santana's contract with the Phillies is worth $60 million over the course of three years. If those figures sound familiar, it's because that's the same contract the Indians gave to designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion last offseason.
In agreeing to terms with Philadelphia, Santana leaves the only team he's played for at the major league level. In eight seasons in Cleveland, the catcher-turned-first baseman hit for a .249 average and 174 home runs.
Last season, Santana appeared in 154 games for the Indians, hitting for a .259 average and 23 home runs. His departure leaves a massive hole in the Indians lineup, both at first base and in the middle of the order, with Cleveland also not expected to retain free agent outfielder Jay Bruce.
Without Santana, the Indians could potentially turn to Encarnacion to play first base. The team has also already mentioned the possibility of trying outfielder Michael Brantley at the position.
Santana is the third free agent to depart from Cleveland this offseason. Earlier this week, the Indians lost a pair of relievers, with Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith agreeing to terms with the Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros, respectively.
