The Cleveland Guardians acquired another pitcher, Slade Cecconi, on Saturday by trading first baseman Josh Naylor.
They already had a ready-made replacement for Naylor in young first baseman Kyle Manzardo.
However, the team decided to bring in a veteran slugger to alternate first base and designated hitter duties with Manzardo.
It happens to be an old friend who is now going for his third stint in the franchise: Carlos Santana.
“First baseman Carlos Santana and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year, $12 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. The Guardians traded Josh Naylor, and now they bring the 38-year-old Santana back for his third stint with the organization,” MLB insider Jeff Passan posted on X.
First baseman Carlos Santana and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year, $12 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. The Guardians traded Josh Naylor, and now they bring the 38-year-old Santana back for his third stint with the organization.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2024
Santana has 324 career home runs and a .785 OPS.
In 2024 with the Minnesota Twins, he returned a .748 OPS, so while he is not the hitter he used to be (which is obvious, since he is 38), he is still performing at a high level and can certainly help the Guardians with his power and ability to get on base.
Santana played for Cleveland from 2020 to 2017, then in 2019-20.
He is now returning where it all started for him.
In addition to his contributions at the plate, where he has shown he still has plenty of gas left in the tank, he will serve as a clubhouse leader and mentor for the next wave of Guardians stars, including Manzardo of course.
Slowly but surely, the 2025 Guardians are taking shape and adding a respected veteran with history in the franchise is always a plus.
NEXT: Guardians Trade Josh Naylor To The Diamondbacks For Pitching And A Pick
