Another staple of the Guardians lineup is on the move, but another is coming home.

Following the trade, the Guardians signed free-agent first baseman Carlos Santana to a one-year, $12 million contract, sources told MLB.com.

TRADE DETAILS
Acquire Guardian: RHP Slade Cecconi, Competitive Balance Round B Draft Pick
Acquire D-Backs: 1B Josh Naylor

The trade isn’t particularly shocking considering Naylor’s name has appeared in trade rumors throughout the offseason. But the Guardians are trying to make sure 2025 is even more successful than 24. That means the return has to be enough to offset a potential 30-homer hitter.

That was initially unclear when the team only added Cecconi. He split last season between Triple-A and the majors. In 20 games (13 starts) with the D-Backs, he pitched to a 6.66 ERA with 64 strikeouts and 17 walks in 77 innings. In Triple-A, he had a 3.06 ERA in 18 games (five starts) and finished the season with 9 2/3 hitless innings.

But just moments later, the Guardians added a familiar face in Santana. MLB Trade Rumors predicted Naylor would make $12 million in his final year of arbitration this winter. That money went directly toward signing free agent Santana.

Santana is entering his 16th major league season. Eleven of those will be spent with Cleveland. In his final 10 seasons with the Guardians, Santana hit .251 with an .818 OPS and 216 home runs. Even though he turns 39 in April, his strength has not diminished. Santana hit more than 20 home runs in each of his last two seasons with the Twins, Brewers and Pirates.

Naylor has provided depth in the Guardians’ lineup behind José Ramírez in recent years. With an outstanding season, he developed into an All-Star caliber player in 1923, posting a .308 OPS with an .842 OPS. His performance was no longer as consistent in 1924, but his threat in the lineup played a large role in Cleveland’s success. Now it’s up to Santana to fill it out.

Santana will be able to play first base alongside Kyle Manzardo, who had a strong sophomore trip to the majors at the end of last season and showed he’s ready for the big stage.