The Cleveland Guardians All-Century Team

First Base

Carlos Santana (2010-2017, 2019-2020)

Stats: .251/.368/.450, .818 OPS, 121 OPS+, 29.8 bWAR, 1,197 H, 216 HR, 710 RBI

Carlos Santana was also a consideration for the catcher position, but he spent the majority of his Cleveland career at first base. Quite frankly, Santana is one of the most underrated players in baseball during the 2010s. Even as a low average, high on-base type of player, Santana was 20% better than league average in seven of his ten years in Cleveland.

Similar to Martinez, he never posted the highest home run totals, but was a switch-hitting threat that was as consistent as they come. Santana has also always had elite plate discipline. Since his rookie season in 2010, Santana’s 15.3% walk rate is the fourth-highest in the sport (min. 5,000 PA). Lastly, he had a memorable return to the team in 2019, as he made his first All-Star team and participated in the Home Run Derby, which took place in Cleveland. Santana’s pure consistency and longevity at first base with Cleveland make him an easy pick for the century team.