CLEVELAND, Ohio — With just over a month to go before the July 31 trade deadline, the Guardians find themselves in a familiar position: hovering near playoff contention while balancing short- and long-term priorities.
At 11.5 games back in the American League Central Division but just 2.5 out of a Wild Card spot, Cleveland could buy or sell — or perhaps as the club has done in the past, do a bit of both. The Guardians front office holds plenty of trade chips, including veteran bat Carlos Santana, versatile outfielder Lane Thomas, and perhaps most intriguing, All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, whose team-friendly contract has him under control through 2028.
As Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti told reporters Saturday, this year’s trade market will be highly influenced by baseball’s three-team wild card format.
“If past years are indicative of what to expect this year, we would probably expect it to be a later-developing deadline because there are so many teams that remain in contention at this point,” Antonetti said.
“Whether or not a player comes into the organization or a player or two leave, that’s not going to tell the story of our season. It’s going to be about how the group of guys that are here continue that progression and hopefully help us win a lot of games.”
Still, with contenders (and those trying to stay in contention) already eyeing potential upgrades, here are three teams that could make compelling trade partners — and whether a match makes sense.
Carlos Santana, Cleveland Guardians.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Boston Red Sox: In search of a bat (or two)
Need: Middle-of-the-order production, 1B/DH option
Guardians match: Carlos Santana
After dealing Rafael Devers to San Francisco in a stunning Father’s Day swap, Boston now has a gaping hole in the heart of its lineup. Craig Breslow is expected to explore all corners of the market for offensive help — especially bats that can handle first base or DH duties.
Enter Santana. The switch-hitting veteran remains a steady on-base threat with elite defensive ability at first, and his postseason experience adds further appeal for a young Red Sox squad aiming to stay afloat in a tight AL East race.
Fit for Guardians?
Very solid. Santana’s expiring deal, leadership qualities and defensive profile make him one of Cleveland’s most straightforward sell-high assets. A Boston deal could help the Guardians reallocate at-bats to younger talent while possibly returning a mid-tier prospect in a system that’s taken recent steps forward under Breslow.
Los Angeles Angels: Buy, sell… or both?
Need: Outfield, bullpen help
Guardians match: Lane Thomas, Emmanuel Clase
The Angels are treading water in the AL Wild Card mix but remain one of the most unpredictable franchises at the deadline. With needs in center field and the bullpen — and an eye still toward the future — they could either bolster the roster or cash in veterans like Taylor Ward and Tyler Anderson.
If L.A. buys, Thomas would provide defensive flexibility and playoff-tested offense, while Clase would instantly stabilize a relief corps that’s lacked a true shutdown presence. If they sell, a broader deal could emerge involving prospects on both sides.
Fit for Guardians?
Only partially. Cleveland and Los Angeles might not line up unless the Angels commit to one direction. If the Halos sell, Cleveland could explore multi-player deals that help both clubs address long-term needs — particularly if Antonetti targets controllable outfielders.
Lane Thomas, Cleveland Guardians.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Philadelphia Phillies: Bullpen and outfield
Need: Reliable bullpen arm, right-handed OF bat
Guardians match: Clase, Thomas
Philadelphia is once again in the market for relievers — as they have been every season during their latest window of contention — but the urgency has intensified following José Alvarado’s postseason ineligibility after an 80-game PED suspension. They’re also in the market for another outfielder, as offseason acquisition Max Kepler has underperformed.
The most logical fit here is Clase, whose contract ($6.4 million in 2026 with $10 million club options for 2027 and 2028) is an immense value for any team hunting October leverage arms. But Thomas could also fill a void in left or center and comes with experience against NL East competition.
Fit for Guardians?
Very strong. If Cleveland decides to move Clase — Cade Smith’s recent back discomfort notwithstanding — Philadelphia might offer the right mix of major-league ready talent and upper-minors prospects to justify it. Thomas, meanwhile, fits neatly into Philly’s outfield picture. There’s real deal potential here, especially if the Guardians aim to maximize Clase’s value.
The Guardians may wait until the final days of July to tip their hand — a move that is not out of character for Antonetti. But whether they look to bolster the roster for a final wild card push, or retool for 2026 and beyond, they have plenty of assets to make a splash on the market.
The big question is: will Cleveland once again thread the needle, or finally make a bold move in one direction?
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story.