Guardians Fans Brace for Possible Loss of Franchise Icon at MLB Trade Deadline
The Cleveland Guardians may be on the verge of parting ways with a franchise legend as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The team has struggled recently, going 11-20 over the last month, and now sits at 40-42 on the season, with their playoff hopes quickly fading.
As their postseason chances slip away, the Guardians could be forced to enter sell mode before the July 31 deadline. Henry Palatella of Away Back Gone is preparing Cleveland fans for the potential departure of one of their most beloved players: Carlos Santana.
“This year’s trade market will be unusual, given the limited number of sellers, so the Guardians could take advantage of that by trading away veteran players like Santana,” Palatella explained. “Plus, moving him would free up a spot for a prospect like CJ Kayfus.”
Cleveland originally signed Santana to fill the first base spot after trading Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the offseason.
Santana is on a one-year deal, and with the team unlikely to re-sign him, moving him before the deadline seems like a logical decision.
At 39, Santana’s numbers this season aren’t particularly eye-catching—hitting .232/.329/.356 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs in 310 plate appearances. However, his solid defense at first base could make him an appealing trade target as a role player for another team.
Santana, who first debuted with Cleveland back in 2010, is now in his third stint with the team. His departure would certainly sting for Guardians fans, as he’s been a key figure in the franchise.
But if the Guardians’ trajectory for 2025 continues to decline, trading Santana might be a necessary move to help set the team up for a more successful future in 2026 and beyond.
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