While there is debate over whether the Cleveland Guardians should be buyers at the MLB trade deadline or not, the team is still in decent shape. With a few strong pieces in the rotation, on offense, and in the bullpen, making a run in the postseason isn’t out of the question.
But, to get there, the team will likely have to add pieces at the trade deadline. One of those potential trade targets was called a fit for the Guardians by MLB.com writer Mark Feinsand.
He pitched that Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana would be a top fit for the Guardians. The team needs more help in the bullpen, as Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clase aren’t able to handle the workload they did in 2024.
Santana, the 29-year-old, would be a solid addition to the bullpen. He’s in the middle of an incredible season for the Pirates. His 1.74 ERA is among the best in baseball for a reliever.
Across his 31 innings pitched in 2025, Santana has 25 strikeouts, five walks, and five saves. Having the same amount of walks and he has saves is a great place for a reliever to be in, especially one who isn’t a full-time closer.
Santana has been a journeyman his whole career. But, since stepping into Pittsburgh, he’s been incredible. In 2024 with the Pirates, he had a 2.44 ERA and 50 strikeouts to 11 walks in 44.1 innings. In the six seasons before his stint in Pittsburgh, he had a 5.17 ERA.
His emergence in Pittsburgh has been incredible. Santana’s performance isn’t the only reason he’d be a solid option for the Guardians. He is also under team control through the 2026 season. Meaning that even if the Guardians aren’t at 100 percent strength in 2025, they can still acquire him in 2025 and utilize him next season.
The Guardians need bullpen help, and Santana is one of the best options out there for the team. He’s cheap, reliable, and on the trade market. Adding a player of his caliber would be a nice boost to the bullpen, looking to bounce back after a tough start to the year.
