Cleveland Indians rumors: Carlos Santana likely to draw interest from Red Sox, Mariners
Cleveland Indians chatter as the Tribe tries to put the finishing touches on the Yankees in Game 3 of the 2017 ALDS.
1. Carlos Santana is a key part of the Cleveland Indians lineup, but with free agency awaiting the switch hitting slugger, it’s unclear whether the Tribe’s front office will make a play to retain their power hitter.
The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reported that neither side is really showing its hand.
This isn’t a grand surprise, as the Indians have bigger things to worry about, like winning the World Series.
"“…There’s no telling whether there’s mutual interest in Santana staying put,” Cafardo wrote."
The longtime scribe added that the Mariners and the Red Sox would likely be interested in Santana once free agency commences.
The Red Sox could be an interesting team to watch. They made a play for Edwin Encarnacion last season, but ultimately went on the cheap, signing Mitch Moreland to handle first base duties.
There were a lot of similarities between Moreland and Santana this season.
Moreland, 32, hit .246 (.769 OPS) with 22 homers and 79 RBI, and he’ll be a free agent. Santana,31, hit .259 (.818 OPS) with 23 homers and 79 RBI.
Both are good defensively, with Santana ranked as Fangraphs fourth best first baseman, while Moreland was fifth.
2. Seattle’s first baseman, Yonder Alonso, will be a free agent. Santana could easily step in.
He’d be a huge upgrade over Alonso, who rated 16th among the 21 eligible first basemen on Fangraphs.com.
More from Factory of Sadness
- Bet $1 on ANYTHING to Unlock $200 Guaranteed with Crazy Bet365 Ohio Promo!
- 3 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers have a good shot to win the East next year
- It might be too soon to say it but it looks like the Cleveland Guardians are back
- Are the Cleveland Browns a Top 10 roster heading into the 2023 season?
- Eastern Conference Solidarity: Back the Heat with $5 Bet, Win $200 Bonus INSTANTLY with DraftKings Promo
3. Mickey Callaway may be getting some managerial buzz.
the Mets, Tigers and Phillies are all looking for new skippers, and Cafardo wrote the Indians pitching coach has “forged a following of support.”
4. FanRagSports.com’s Jon Heyman listed Indians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. as someone the Mets should consider for their job.
5. Edwin Encarnacion won’t be placed on the DL with his sprained ankle, yet he was walking around Yankee Stadium Saturday with his crutches and in a walking boot.
If the Tribe puts him on the DL, he’s not eligible to return until the World Series, should the Indians advance.
6. Something tells me we won’t see Encarnacion during the Division series if it gets to a Game 4 or 5. I also wonder if he’ll be able to help during Games 1 or 2 of the ALCS, should the Tribe advance.
7. The good news here is that it’s nothing serious. There will be a time EE can help this team again before the World Series, should the ALCS ben in the Indians future. If that weren’t the case, EE would be on the DL.
Next: These Indians have you believing in miracles
8. His presence in the lineup is what the Tribe’s needed for years. A dangerous right-handed big stick who scares opposing pitchers.