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Cleveland Guardians trade away Josh Naylor to Arizona D-backs and sign Carlos Santana on one-year $12 million deal from free agency, fans react

4 days ago
4 min read

After days of speculation, the Cleveland Guardians have traded away one of their 2024 stars Josh Naylor. The name of the first baseman had popped up several times in trade rumors in the last few days. They traded him away to the Arizona Diamondbacks and then signed Carlos Santana on a one-year $12 million deal.

At the start of the 2024, the Guardians were not considered by many as favorites to win the division. After losing their legendary Terry Francona, Stephen Vogt was appointed as the team’s new skipper. This was his first job in management.

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The American League Central side went on to surprise their doubters and won the division, finishing with a 92-69 record. They would reach all the way to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) where they eventually lost to the New York Yankees in Game 6. This performances saw their coach being named as the AL Manager of the Year.

One of the star performers for them this year was Naylor. The 27-year-old had one of this best years this season as he crossed the 30-home run mark for the first time in his career. He finished the year with 31 home runs and 108 RBI while batting with .243 average. He also made his All-Star Game debut this season.

The Guardians acquired right handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and Arizona’s 2025 Competitive Balance Round B pick in exchange for Naylor. He was expected to make $12 million in his final year of contract with the team.

Hours later, the Guardians agreed to bring back Santana for a third stint. The veteran first baseman has spent 10 years of his 15-year career with the Guardians. He was also part of the 2016 team that lost in the World Series against the Cubs. In his tenure with them, the Dominican international has batted with an average .251 and hit 216 home runs.

Fans react to Cleveland Guardians giving away Josh Naylor and signing Carlos Santana

The news of Josh Naylor being traded away was something that many were expecting. The first baseman had been linked to several teams including the New York Yankees. The development regarding the Cleveland Guardians bringing back Carlos Santana has left some people stunned.

Carlos Santana and Josh NaylorCarlos Santana and Josh Naylor
Carlos Santana and Josh Naylor (Image via MLB/X)

This two roster moves from the Guardians has left social media in split. Some users on X questioned this move as Santana will turn 39 during the 2025 season. One Guardians fans seemingly happy with this move wrote, “Welcome back demon” while reacting to this.

Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

Earlier in the offseason, the Guardians traded away Gold Glove winner Andres Gimenez and right-hander Nick Sandlin to the Blue Jays. Apart from this, the have also re-signed ace pitcher Shane Bieber on a one-year deal, after he missed the majority of the 2024 campaign with an injury that required a Tommy John surgery.

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ola momodu

Ola Momodu is a skilled storyteller with expertise in political commentary and business reporting. She brings in-depth knowledge and sharp insights to her work at eNews Nigeria.

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