The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a noteworthy acquisition, bringing in All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians. This strategic move has opened the door for the Guardians to reconnect with veteran slugger Carlos Santana, who is known for his previous contributions to the team.

In the trade that saw Naylor moving to Arizona, the Guardians received right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi along with a competitive balance Round B draft pick for 2025. This trade marks Cleveland’s swift action to address the gap left by Naylor, resulting in an agreement with Santana on a one-year contract worth $12 million, as reported by an insider close to the negotiations.

This swap is part of a larger reshaping of the Guardians’ infield; just weeks ago, the AL Central champions traded Gold Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez in a three-team deal and also added right-hander Luis Ortiz from the Pirates. Naylor, who recently celebrated his first All-Star selection, had a standout season, achieving a career-high of 31 home runs and 108 RBIs, solidifying his role as Cleveland’s starting first baseman for the past three years. He is set to hit free agency following the 2025 season.

With Christian Walker recently signing with the Houston Astros, the Diamondbacks were actively seeking a first baseman. Arizona’s general manager Mike Hazen expressed confidence that Naylor will seamlessly integrate into the batting order alongside Eugenio Suarez, Ketel Marte, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Cecconi, the 25-year-old pitcher acquired by Cleveland, has made sporadic appearances in the major leagues over the past two seasons, recording a 2-7 record and a 6.66 ERA in 20 games, which included 13 starts last season.

Meanwhile, Santana, who enjoyed a decade-long tenure with Cleveland during two separate periods, initially played as a catcher before transitioning to first base. His contract is awaiting a physical, as indicated by an unnamed source.

Santana was a fan favorite during his time with the Guardians from 2010 to 2017, later signing with Philadelphia, where his performance fell short of expectations. He returned to the Guardians in 2019, earning an All-Star nod during his subsequent two-season stint with the team. Over his career, he has amassed 324 home runs.

Bringing Santana back adds not only skill but also veteran leadership to a Guardians squad that achieved 92 wins last season, dominating their division under the management of Stephen Vogt. The team made it to the AL Division Series, where they triumphed over the Detroit Tigers, before being eliminated by the New York Yankees in the ALCS.

In his most recent season with the Minnesota Twins, the 38-year-old Santana batted .238, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 71 RBIs. His career has also included stints with the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Naylor’s exit represents a significant change for the Guardians, as it also means he and his younger brother Bo, who is Cleveland’s main catcher, will no longer share the team. While Naylor was a consistent run producer and provided protection in the lineup for All-Star José Ramírez, his fielding abilities had come into question. Cleveland intends to explore other options for the first base position, one of which could be Kyle Manzardo.