Surprises Emerge: Cleveland Guardians Swap Josh Naylor and Ink Deal with Carlos Santana
Surprises Emerge: Cleveland Guardians Swap Josh Naylor and Ink Deal with Carlos Santana
Ona quietly football-watching Saturday for many Cleveland Guardians fans, two unexpected moves shook up their routines.
On December 21, a serene Saturday afternoon filled with NFL and college football action, the Guardians made a surprise trade, sending first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In exchange, the Guardians received right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick.
As many Guardians fans hoped for more returning players, this veteran scout was left pondering about potential additions.
However, it seems that's the deal, with no additional names announced as of yet.
Naylor departs for the Diamondbacks, headed for a promising pitcher and a coveted draft pick.
Following this transaction, the Guardians signed switch-hitting first baseman Carlos Santana, locking him in for a 1-year, $12 million contract.
Diamondbacks supporters can count on Santana as a festive surprise under their Christmas tree on December 25th.
Left-handed hitting Naylor, aging 27, had assembled an impressive stat line, including 31 homers and 108 RBIs, in his 633 plate appearances with Cleveland in the 2022 season.
Naylor joined the Guardians in a deal with the San Diego Padres on August 31, 2020, as the Padres sent six players to Cleveland, in return for outfielder Greg Allen and pitcher Mike Clevinger.
Presently, infielder Gabriel Arias, pitcher Joey Cantillo, and catcher Austin Hedges remain as the only three original players from this trade in the Guardians lineup.
Naylor is a potent force when runners are on base, and particularly lethal with runners in scoring position.
When it comes to inflicting damage on the opposition, few players can match the power and precision of Naylor.
As a matter of fact, during crucial moments, Naylor often swings so hard that his helmet flies off.
With one more year of arbitration eligibility remaining before he becomes a free agent after the 2025 World Series, the Guardians may think twice about committing to the salary demands of a player as valuable as Naylor.
Cleveland has a long history of trading players in their final year before free agency.
Naylor's weight, listed as 5-11 and 250 pounds, has raised concerns among critics and fans alike, due to the increased potential for soft-tissue injuries and damage to vital organs in players of his size.
Now, Naylor dons the Arizona Diamondbacks jersey, as both the Diamondbacks and Guardians seek to compete on limited budgets, potentially providing Naylor with fewer long-term financial opportunities.
As for Carlos Santana, the veteran first baseman is returning to his roots with Cleveland, embarking on his 16th major league season.
In a three-team trade involving the Indians, Tampa Bay Rays, and Seattle Mariners on December 13, 2018, the Indians acquired Santana, after which he played for Cleveland, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Milwaukee.
Santana brings a .242 career batting average and 324 career homers to the Cleveland Guardians.
Last season, playing for the Minnesota Twins, Santana hit at a .238/.328/.420/.749 clip, with 26 doubles, 23 homers, and 71 RBIs in 594 plate appearances.
Santana is a recipient of a Gold Glove, further cementing his position as a valuable asset to any team.
Santana may be slotted behind Jose Ramirez in the Guardians lineup, serving as the cleanup hitter or the designated hitter, and should add a steady presence to an otherwise youthful roster.
The acquisition of Slade Cecconi adds an intriguing young pitching arm to the Guardians' plans, although the exact role he'll play remains to be seen.
Cecconi is 6-4 and 219 pounds, and displays a strong, live arm with the potential for success on the mound.
The Guardians are reportedly still eyeing additional starting pitchers, leaving fans to ponder whether more surprises lie in store.
Were these moves by the Guardians surprising and unexpected? Certainly, yes!
Many fans had anticipated about a potential Naylor trade, although the return did not meet their expectations.
On the other hand, the acquisition of Carlos Santana as a 1-year, $12 million free agent came as a greater shock than many anticipated.
In the world of sports business, the Guardians' decision to trade Josh Naylor for Slade Cecconi and a draft pick could impact their future strategy.
With the addition of Carlos Santana, the Guardians are bolstering their lineup, bringing in a proven veteran with a strong track record and a Gold Glove award to their mix of young talent.