Red Sox Linked to Guardians Carlos Santana Amid Expectation He's Dealt at Trade Deadline
The Boston Red Sox, after losing Triston Casas early in the season, have been looking for a new first baseman for a while. There are some options at the MLB trade deadline, but recently, they were linked to a different piece.
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According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Red Sox would be a "nice fit" for Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana. The 16-year veteran is expected to be traded, and Boston could be a landing spot.
"The Cleveland Guardians are expected to unload first baseman Carlos Santana by the end of the month," Nightengale writes, "Who could be a nice fit for the Boston Red Sox."
Boston has a need at first base, and with Craig Breslow and the front office intending to buy at the MLB trade deadline, Santana would be a potential rental option for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Santana is a free agent after this season and is currently on a one-year, $12 million deal. The Red Sox wouldn't be on the hook for too much money, and also likely wouldn't have to send much to Cleveland to land Santana.
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Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow talks with the media at George M. Steinbrenner Field.Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The 39-year-old first baseman has been around the league, playing for seven different teams in his career. Throughout his long career, he's always been a solid contributor no matter what team he's been on.
He's coming off a 2024 Gold Glove campaign with the Minnesota Twins and has also previously been a Silver Slugger and All-Star. In his career, he's hit 334 home runs and 400 doubles.
Santana is a strong defender at first base and is also a solid slugger. His OPS this season is .702, slightly below league average, but still solid enough for the Red Sox to justify landing him at the trade deadline.
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While not the splashiest trade target, Santana would be a solid addition to add to the roster amid the team's pursuit to make it back to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
With teams around baseball keeping their cards close to their chest, Nightengale's report about Santana is worth monitoring.
Not only is he expected to be moved at the deadline, but Nightengale named only the Red Sox as a potential fit. As the trade deadline approaches, Santana could be on his way to Boston, as his only link is to the Red Sox so far.
Related: Red Sox Predicted to Target 244 Home Run Slugger to Resolve First Base Issue
Related: Alex Cora Announces Major Masataka Yoshida News for Red Sox
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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