Guardians former All-Star listed as possible trade fit for Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are rolling heading into the All-Star break. After falling to 42-45, they have put together a 10-game winning streak and surged into the second American League Wild Card spot.

It took them a few weeks to adjust to life without Rafael Devers, but they have responded well to the challenge and are now a clear contender in the Junior Circuit.

They'll likely be buyers rather than sellers at the trade deadline, and they're going to need help at first base with Triston Casas out for the season.

Sean McAdam of MassLive.com proposed the idea of Boston making a deal with the Cleveland Guardians to fill their need.

"Triston Casas has a long recovery road ahead of him, but could still be the first baseman of the future as soon as Opening Day 2026. That would make Arizona’s Josh Naylor, who will be a free agent at the end of the year, a logical target if — and that’s a big ‘if’ – the Diamondbacks decide to sell. Other possibilities could include Baltimore’s Ryan O’Hearn and Cleveland’s Carlos Santana, each also in their walk year, McAdam said.

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Santana is struggling a little bit this year. He is slashing .232/.328/.360 with 11 home runs, 41 RBI, six stolen bases and a .688 OPS, but he does have a 1.5 WAR.

However, he has a strong track record. He's a former All-Star, Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger. He's also a switch hitter with power.

The Guardians are likely to sell this year at the deadline, and Santana is a solid rental piece for a contending team such as the Red Sox.

The 39-year-old could provide veteran leadership in Boston's clubhouse and fill their first base need for the second half of the 2025 season. The Red Sox would be wise to target him to fill that role.

It will be interesting to see where the Red Sox land in their search for a first baseman.

More MLB: Red Sox's interest in trade for former Cy Young winner revealed