The Cleveland Guardians find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as the MLB trade deadline approaches. With their place in the standings hovering around contention—neither firmly in playoff position nor entirely out of the race—the front office faces a difficult decision: buy in for a postseason push or sell off assets and plan for the future.
Though the Guardians are still within reach of an American League Wild Card spot and not far behind in the AL Central, they’re not widely viewed as a legitimate World Series contender this season. This places the organization in a familiar position: assessing whether it’s more strategic to fortify the roster or to start retooling for the seasons ahead. Unfortunately for fans hoping for a midseason boost, recent history suggests Cleveland is more likely to sell than to spend.
Team insider and analyst Bruce Drennan weighed in on this situation during the latest edition of his show, suggesting that three notable players could be on the move: right-handed reliever Emmanuel Clase, outfielder Lane Thomas, and first baseman/catcher Carlos Santana. Drennan’s reasoning? Opening up roster spots for younger talent and laying the groundwork for a competitive 2026 campaign.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Clase, Santana, and Thomas are all dealt to make room for these kids, to get their feet wet, to prepare for the 2026 season,” Drennan stated.
From a developmental perspective, this strategy makes sense. Giving younger players a chance to experience big-league action now could pay dividends down the road. However, trading those veterans would likely signal an end to Cleveland’s postseason hopes this year.
Among the three, Emmanuel Clase would likely generate the most trade interest. While he hasn’t been as dominant as in previous seasons, Clase still holds value as a proven closer with elite stuff. If the front office believes his best years might be behind him, they could look to trade him while his market value remains relatively high.
Lane Thomas, though limited by injuries in 2025, is another player who could draw attention from contenders. His versatility and experience make him a serviceable outfield option for playoff-bound teams in need of depth. A change of scenery could also help him recapture his earlier success.
Carlos Santana, the veteran switch-hitter and longtime fan favorite, presents the most emotional challenge. While no longer a star, Santana has been one of the Guardians’ most reliable offensive contributors in 2025. His leadership, clubhouse presence, and steady production make him a valuable asset—but also one that Cleveland may feel it’s time to move on from.
In sum, the Guardians must soon decide whether they’ll chase a playoff berth or shift their focus to building toward 2026. If Drennan’s predictions prove accurate, fans may have to brace for a deadline defined more by farewells than reinforcements.
