Cleveland Guardians Release Carlos Santana: Waiver Claim Possible

David

3 min read

Post on Aug 27, 2025

4.3

Share

Cleveland Guardians Release Carlos Santana: Waiver Claim a Real Possibility

The Cleveland Guardians sent shockwaves through the baseball world today with the announcement that veteran first baseman/designated hitter Carlos Santana has been released. This unexpected move opens the door for a potential waiver claim frenzy, leaving many wondering what's next for the longtime Guardian and what teams might be vying for his services.

The decision, announced late Tuesday afternoon, marks the end of Santana's second stint with the Guardians. After a successful initial tenure, he returned to Cleveland in 2022, but this season hasn't mirrored his past successes. His .202 batting average, 10 home runs, and .601 OPS are far below expectations, leading to his release. The Guardians, focused on building for the future and cultivating young talent, clearly felt the move was necessary.

Why the Release? A Look at Santana's Performance and the Guardians' Strategy

Santana's struggles this season are undeniable. While he’s a respected veteran presence in the clubhouse, his on-field contributions haven’t justified his roster spot in the Guardians' evolving lineup. The team's recent surge in performance, fueled largely by young players, likely solidified the decision to part ways. This move is a clear indication that the Guardians are prioritizing youth and long-term potential over veteran experience in the short term.

• Underperformance: Santana's offensive numbers have significantly dipped, making him a liability in the lineup.
• Youth Movement: The Guardians are committed to developing their young core, and Santana's presence might have hindered the playing time of promising prospects.
• Salary Considerations: While the specifics haven't been released, Santana's salary likely played a factor in the Guardians' decision. Releasing him opens up budget flexibility.

Who Might Claim Santana? Potential Suitors Emerge

The news of Santana's release immediately sparked speculation regarding potential waiver claims. Several teams could benefit from his veteran experience and power potential, despite his recent struggles. Teams looking for a left-handed bat and a seasoned presence in the clubhouse are likely to consider a claim.

Several factors will influence which teams make a claim:

• Need for Offensive Support: Contending teams with weak offensive performances might see Santana as a low-risk, high-reward option.
• Designated Hitter Spot: AL teams with a need for a designated hitter will be particularly interested.
• Waiver Order: The team's position in the waiver order will determine who gets priority.

While predicting which team will claim Santana is difficult, some potential suitors include teams in playoff contention needing a veteran boost. Keep an eye on teams in the American League who could benefit most from his experience and power hitting ability, even if inconsistent.

What's Next for Carlos Santana?

Santana's career trajectory is now uncertain. While a significant drop in performance this year is undeniable, he's proven his ability throughout his career. A change of scenery and a fresh start could rejuvenate his game. He's a proven hitter with a long and successful career, and it's likely he'll find another opportunity in the league.

This development serves as a pivotal moment for both Santana and the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians move forward with their youth movement, while Santana looks for a new team and a chance to rediscover his form. The next few days will be crucial as we see which team steps up to claim this veteran slugger.

Stay tuned for updates as the waiver claim process unfolds!