KC Royals: First impressions of newcomers in 2021

KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 1: The B-1 stealth bomber flies over Kuaffman Stadium during the the playing of the national anthem prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals on Opening Day at on April 1, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Kansas City Royals first baseman Carlos Santana (41) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Santana

The big question after the Royals inked Carlos Santana to a two-year deal was — Which version of Santana would the team be getting? Was it going to be the 2019 Santana who was hitting like a mad man at the plate and also drawing walks? Or was it going to be the 2020 Santana who hit below the Mendoza line?

It’s only been one game, but Royals fans definitely saw more glimpses of the 2019 Santana in their Opening Day victory. Santana was a good fit for this team because of how he can get on base, mostly via the walk, and he displayed that on Thursday. He went 1-of-3 and walked three times. He tallied one RBI and is batting .333 after one game.

Carlos Santana came to Kansas City to do two things - draw walks and chew gum. And he's all out of gum.
— Royals Review (@royalsreview) April 1, 2021

Santana not only gives the Royals stability at first base for the next two years, but his ability to get on base is exactly what this offense needs. It’s hard not to be excited about what he can continue to do for this team as the season progresses.

Home/Kansas City Royals