Carlos Santana looking to make good on promise to his mother, win Gold Glove Award

KANSAS CITY, MO. — Carlos Santana’s 15-year major league career is filled with all kinds of impressive achievements, ones most players can only dream about. The 38-year-old reached 20 home runs for the ninth time in his career earlier on this road trip. In June, he played in his 2,000th game, a testament to his durability. He’s played in an All-Star Game and won a Silver Slugger Award.

Most of his accolades have been for his offensive production. When his mother asked him in February what he would like to accomplish before he retired, he had something in mind.

The first baseman wanted to win a Gold Glove Award. He has been a finalist multiple times, including last year with the Brewers, but has never won the award.

“I’m excited, working hard every day. This is what I want,” Santana said. “This is what I promised my mom. I want to win. If I win and they told me, it’s the most new positive (thing) here in my life.”

All this isn’t just talk. Santana seemingly has a very good chance at taking home his first Gold Glove this season. Heading into Saturday’s play, he led all major league first basemen in Outs Above Average with 12, per Statcast, and his seven Defensive Runs Saved, per FanGraphs, was second in the American League at his position.

“He is much more athletic than probably anyone would want to give him credit for,” manager Rocco Baldelli said earlier this season. “I’m going to give him credit for it now. He’s a good athlete. He’s excellent on his feet. And he is nimble.”

Santana believes he’s a better defender now than even a couple years ago, and that’s because of how well he takes care of his body and prepares himself to take the field each day.

Gold Glove Award finalists are typically unveiled in October with the winner being named in early November. Managers and coaches account for 75% of the vote with defensive metrics making up the other 25%. There are still a few weeks left in the regular season, but Santana, who began wearing a pink glove to honor his mother this season, is hopeful he’ll be able to make good on the promise he made her months ago.

“I don’t know any other way to say it: He’s amazing over there at first base,” Baldelli said.

Briefly

Simeon Woods Richardson will take the ball on Sunday in the series finale against Kansas City opposed by Royals starter Michael Wacha. Sunday will mark the conclusion of the Twins’ seven-game road trip. … Louie Varland, whom the Twins shifted to the bullpen in recent days, said he has a lot of confidence from the success he had there last season. “I’ve been here before, so it’s nothing new,” Varland said.

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