13. Benito Santiago

The extensive span of a twenty-year career in Major League Baseball across nine different teams can easily evoke the misconception of a typical journeyman. Although Benito Santiago eventually acclimated to the nomadic nature of such a career, his initial arrival in Southern California was met with national anticipation typically reserved for generational icons. 

Signed from Puerto Rico as a teenager in 1982, the dynamic catcher made a brief appearance in 1986, spanning 17 games, preserving his rookie status and laying the foundation for one of the most electrifying and paradigm-shifting rookie seasons the sport has ever seen. Upon assuming the regular starting role in 1987, Santiago not only cemented his place in the lineup but also ascended to the status of a national sensation, orchestrating a historic, record-setting 34-game hitting streak that remains the longest ever recorded by a modern catcher. His spectacular 1987 summer yielded a robust .300 batting average, 33 doubles, and 18 home runs, earning him a unanimous selection as the National League Rookie of the Year alongside his first career Silver Slugger Award.

However, honestly assessing his performance means going beyond the initial impressive display. Santiago consistently showed strong raw power, never hitting fewer than 10 home runs in any full season with the Padres. Nonetheless, his offensive effectiveness was greatly hindered by an overly aggressive, free-swinging style. It was as if he refused to take walks, often widening his strike zone, which led to a sub-.300 on-base percentage (.299) during his time with San Diego. Opposing pitchers soon understood they could target his aggressive, high-velocity swing, making it impossible for him to match his rookie-year effectiveness again.

His primary authority was his multi-dimensional value behind the plate. Santiago revolutionized defense with raw athleticism and a high-velocity arm, routinely gunning down base stealers from a kneeling position. His artistry earned him three consecutive Gold Gloves (1988–1990), and he ranked in the top ten for defensive bWAR in the National League three times. A human highlight reel, he secured four All-Star selections (1989–1992) and four Silver Sluggers with the Padres. However, his defense was occasionally volatile; he was error-prone, leading NL catchers in miscues three times as his instincts sometimes outpaced his precision.

Following the 1992 Season, Santiago joined the expansion Florida Marlins, leaving them with 758 Hits, 85 Home Runs, and a Defensive bWAR of 8.9.

While Santiago was a popular figure in San Diego, it is hard to rank him any higher, as he had a sub-three OBP with the Padres, and while he was praised for his defense, he was at times error-prone.