Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana recently joined rare company in the annals of Major League Baseball history.
Could he soon join the Boston Red Sox for a late season run at a playoff spot?
On Tuesday at Wrigley Field, Santana went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in a 5-2 loss to the Cubs. It was the 400th career double for the 39-year-old slugger, placing Santana alongside Chipper Jones and Eddie Murray as the only switch-hitters in MLB history to reach career marks of 400 doubles, 300 home runs, 1000 RBIs, 1000 runs and 1300 walks.
Now in his 16th season, Santana has totaled 334 home runs, 1120 RBIs, 1097 runs and 1317 walks. With a career average of .242, career WAR of 39.6 and just 1857 total hits, Santana likely falls short of Hall of Fame consideration, but it’s hard to deny the offensive production from one of the more underrated bats since 2010.
But the question is, would Cleveland consider trading a fan favorite who has played over 1400 games with the franchise and is among the all-time leaders in several offensive categories, including tied for fifth with 226 home runs? According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Guardians “are expected” to deal Santana, who Nightengale added “could be a nice fit for the Boston Red Sox.”
Carlos Santana Would Bring Offensive Damage, Defensive Excellence to Boston
Boston has been linked to just about every first baseman rumored to be available via trade over the past few months. Since losing Triston Casas for the season to a knee injury suffered on May 2, the Red Sox have gone primarily with the three-headed platoon of Abraham Toro, Romy Gonzalez and Nick Sogard, who have filled in admirably.
But while the combined offensive output of that trio may come close to matching what Santana has put up, there is no comparison on defense. Santana, who won his first Gold Glove last season, remains among the league’s best.
For the Guardians, who at 40-48 appear to be leaning toward seller’s mode, trading Santana would open playing time for their younger corner‑infield options, like Kyle Manzardo and the highly anticipated C.J. Kayfus, the team’s No. 5 prospect, who could make his major‑league debut in the coming weeks. Certainly, it’s never easy to ship off a beloved member of the team, but with Santana playing on just a one-year deal, the front office could frame it as a move to benefit Santana in the present while boosting the team for the future.
Carlos Santana’s Leadership, Clubhouse Presence Would be Welcome at Fenway Park
From Boston’s standpoint, the draw with Santana goes beyond his stat line. He’s not going to slug 30-plus homers anymore, but Santana can be the steady veteran who helps stabilize a streaky offense and keep a wobbly clubhouse from drifting when the dog days hit.
Santana’s been that guy for over a decade, whether it was shepherding young Guardians bats in his prime, helping the Royals find their footing, or more recently offering a calm voice in the Minnesota Twins clubhouse. He’s a pro’s pro, and that still counts for something in a Fenway dugout trying to forge a new identity.
The Red Sox boast a lot of young talent, but there have been plenty of soap opera moments for the team this season, with the Rafael Devers saga, the Roman Anthony watch, the Jarren Duran trade talk. Having a steady veteran with playoff scars and the gravitas to pull a kid aside for a quiet word is the kind of presence that can steer a ship through rough seas.
Santana’s reputation is bulletproof: teammates praise his work ethic, pitchers trust him at first base, and younger players watch how he shows up every day — no excuses, no drama. And perhaps the best part of this scenario is, compared to other first base options, Santana shouldn’t cost too much. A young prospect or two would likely get the job done, allowing Boston to save its high-end trade chips for improving the pitching staff.
If Boston wants to stay relevant in a brutal AL East, adding a glue guy like Santana is more than just a depth play. It’s a statement that this team still wants to take its best shot.
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