Veteran first baseman Carlos Santana has entered free agency after being released by the Guardians.

Carlos Santana will forever be a legendary name in Cleveland baseball history, but today brings the conclusion of the veteran first baseman’s distinguished career, spanning three separate chapters with the Guardians.

The Guardians declared they have released Santana after placing the 39-year-old on unconditional release waivers earlier this Wednesday.

Santana is now free to sign with any other team as a free agent. If he joins a new team before September 1, he will be eligible to participate in the playoffs.

On December 23, the Guardians signed Santana to a one-year contract worth $12 million, aiming to strengthen Cleveland’s lineup following their December 21 trade that sent Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Slade Cecconi.

In recent weeks, as Cleveland shifted to younger first basemen Kyle Manzardo and C.J. Kayfus, Santana’s playing time has diminished. He started 22 of 37 games after the All-Star break, compared to 86 starts in 95 games during the first half of the season with the Guardians.

Across 116 games, Santana posted a batting line of .225/.316/.333 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs. He also recorded seven above-average outs at first base (tied for second in the majors with Ryan O’Hearn and Matt Olson) while providing leadership in the clubhouse.

Santana, who made his major league debut in Cleveland on June 11, 2010, spent 11 of his 15 MLB seasons with this team. He helped lead Cleveland to four playoff appearances (2013, 2016, 2017, and 2018), including the World Series nine years ago.

Santana ranks among the top in several franchise historical statistical categories. His 227 home runs rank fifth overall and second among switch-hitters, trailing only José Ramírez with 281.

At Progressive Field, Santana’s 113 home runs rank fourth among Cleveland players, behind Jim Thome (178), José Ramírez (134), and Manny Ramirez (122). He is eighth in slugging percentage (524) and eleventh in doubles (283).

Cleveland originally acquired Santana from the Dodgers on July 26, 2008, in a trade that sent Casey Blake to Los Angeles. His initial tenure lasted from 2010 until 2017, after which he signed with the Phillies as a free agent during the 2017-18 offseason.

The Guardians reacquired him on December 13, 2018, through a three-team trade involving the Mariners and Rays.

The Guardians also activated Daniel Schneemann today, who has returned from the paternity list.