The Boston Red Sox have been plagued by questions at first base ever since Triston Casas went down.
In searching for answers to these questions, Boston has hurt itself on multiple occasions. The Rafael Devers idea went awry, of course. Kristian Campbell began taking practice reps at first, which may have overwhelmed the 23-year-old rising star. And while Abraham Toro has been a pleasant surprise platooning the position with Romy González (who’s also been quite productive with an .887 OPS entering Sunday), the Red Sox could use one more depth piece at first to protect against injury to either Toro or González.
On Sunday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale floated an idea for Boston in that regard.
“The Cleveland Guardians are expected to unload first baseman Carlos Santana by the end of the month, who could be a nice fit for the Boston Red Sox,” [Nightengale wrote](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/07/06/matthew-boyd-chicago-cubs-stats/84482201007/).
Santana, 39, would be a rental situation for the Red Sox, as his $12 million deal expires at season’s end. The former All-Star is slashing .239/.333/.368/.702 this season with 10 home runs and 38 RBI in 285 at-bats. Notably, Santana is still slick with his mitt, taking home a Gold Glove last season.
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Santana would provide versatility and a veteran presence to a young clubhouse that recently got even younger after the Devers deal. Santana’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate could come in handy for manager Alex Cora during late-game, pinch-hitting situations, especially since subbing Santana into a game only ever enhances your team’s defense.
There’s been no indication that Boston is pursuing Santana, but Nightengale’s idea is a logical one.
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Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK