The Atlanta Braves enter the offseason with several important decisions to make after capturing another National League East title.

The organization also has reason to celebrate individual accomplishments, with manager Walt Weiss and starting pitcher Chris Sale both earning nominations for major National League awards. But the front office will have to complement a roster that has been unable to reach the pennant series.

Now, the organization could consider a reunion with a recent castoff who has reportedly made a decision about the future of his career.

“Free agent first baseman Carlos Santana, 40, wants to keep playing,” Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo reported for The Athletic. “After signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks last offseason, Santana logged just eight games and went 2-for-24 in the major leagues. After Arizona designated Santana for assignment, the Atlanta Braves signed him to a minor-league deal but subsequently released him in August."

Recent Atlanta Braves Slugger Carlos Santana’s MLB Career Faces Challenge After Release

Santana’s difficult 2026 season represented a significant departure from the production he had provided throughout a lengthy major-league career. The switch-hitting first baseman has spent 17 seasons in the big leagues, collecting 335 home runs and 1,882 hits while establishing himself as one of the more durable veteran offensive players of his generation.

He earned an All-Star selection in 2019, when he represented Cleveland and finished the season with 34 home runs and 93 RBI. He also has earned a Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger Award in his career.

However, his most recent opportunity in Arizona never developed into the kind of comeback he might have anticipated.

Former All-Star, Silver Slugger And Gold Glover Carlos Santana Might Settle For Minor League Deal After Atlanta Braves Cut

Although Santana wants to continue playing, his age and recent performance could make finding another major-league opportunity difficult.

“Santana will turn 41 shortly after Opening Day next season and would likely have to accept a minor-league deal,” CBS Sports noted.

That would represent a step backward financially for a player who signed a $2 million major-league contract with the Diamondbacks last offseason, but it would also allow the 40-year-old to continue his career as he intends.

Whether another organization is willing to give the former All-Star that opportunity remains to be seen. It seems possible that whatever intrigued the Braves about him during this past season could motivate a reunion on a new contract for next year.