The Cleveland Guardians are inching closer to the trade deadline with more questions than answers.
They showed signs of life before the All-Star break, and despite their struggles, they’re still not that far behind from the final AL Wild Card spot.
Unfortunately, the front office is still unlikely to make big moves.
If anything, they could be leaning towards parting ways with some of their veterans.
Naturally, that has raised doubts about Carlos Santana’s future with the organization, given his contract and age.
With that in mind, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com urged the team not to make that move.
Talking on the “Cleveland Baseball Talk” podcast, he stated that the team wouldn’t get much in return for the 39-year-old veteran, so they might as well keep him, as he’s still a very good and serviceable player:
“There’s very much interest in Carlos Santana. But you know, I don’t think you’re going to get a whole lot back,” Hoynes cautioned. “What are you going to get back for Carlos Santana? He’s 39. He’s still a very good first baseman. He can give you some pop off the bench, clubhouse guy, but you’re not going to shake the money tree on that one or the talent tree.”
Santana might not be at the peak of his powers anymore, but on top of being a fan favorite and a very respected member of the locker room, he’s also one of the few players who can give this team an offensive lift.
He hasn’t been that consistent this season, but with the Guardians struggling to get anything going at the plate, moving on from Santana won’t do much to help their case in the second half of the season.
This season hasn’t gone in the way the fans expected, but it would still be a shame to watch the front office throw in the towel when the playoffs are still technically within reach.
NEXT: Latest Odds Reveal Guardians' Chances Of Making Playoffs
