The Cleveland Guardians are going through their worst stretch of the season.
They have lost nine in a row and are seven games below .500, just a few weeks before the trade deadline.
The next couple of weeks will be crucial for Cleveland to outline its deadline strategy, but as things stand now, they could be inclined to be sellers.
That’s what MLB insider Bob Nightengale thinks, and he mentions a few players who could be leaving Cleveland before July 31.
He goes as far as to say that first baseman Carlos Santana is “expected” to be sent to another team.
“Carlos Santana is expected to be traded by the Guardians, Emmanuel Clase, and Lane Thomas could also get moved, per Bob Nightengale,” ESPN Cleveland wrote on X.
Carlos Santana is expected to be traded by the Guardians, Emmanuel Clase and Lane Thomas could also get moved, per @BNightengale. pic.twitter.com/2mSzgSe9Pd
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 6, 2025
At this point, many things would have to change for the Guardians to become buyers.
If they are indeed willing to let go of certain MLB contributors, Santana and Thomas are likely to be dealt.
The former might be 39 years old, but he has been above-average offensively (102 wRC+) and defensively.
Thomas might not have as much trade value because he has been bad this year and is on the injured list, but if the Guardians can find a taker, he is also likely gone.
Clase represents a more complex case, though.
He is under contract at a manageable price for several more years, so the team doesn’t have to trade him.
It would also make little sense to do so when the Guardians can easily return to contention next year (assuming they decide to sell this season).
However, if an organization presents an offer they just can’t refuse, the closer could be gone, too.
At this point, it’s all speculation, but Cleveland could be leaning toward being sellers ahead of the deadline.
NEXT: Carlos Baerga Suggests Major Lineup Change For Guardians
