Indians rumors: Cleveland to explore extension with Carlos Santana

The Indians will try to extend designated hitter/first baseman Carlos Santana before he hits free agency at the end of the season, according to a report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. It’s unclear if the sides are in active talks.

Santana, who turns 31 this weekend, had his $12 million club option picked up by the Indians last fall but will be free to sign with any club after the year. Heyman notes Mark Trumbo (3 years, $37.5 million) and Kendrys Morales (3 years, $33 million) as potential comps for Santana’s next contract, though he could command a longer term with a productive season.

Santana hit .259/.366/.498 with 34 homers and 87 RBI for the AL Champions last season in a career year while appearing in 158 games. He will be competing with top first baseman Eric Hosmer, Lucas Duda and ex-teammate Mike Napoli if he does get to free agency this winter.

Cleveland has been active in extension talks so far this spring, agreeing to a five-year deal with Jose Ramirez and a four-year pact with Roberto Perez. Though Francisco Lindor appears unlikely to come to a deal before free agency, the Tribe is likely to keep attempting to lock up their star shortstop as well as Santana and closer Brian Shaw.

Santana has been with the Indians since 2010, posting a .248/.366/.445 line with 152 home runs in that span.