Cleveland, Ohio For players on the bubble, the MLB trade deadline can be a cruel time. Carlos Santana, the first baseman for the Guardians, sees the July 31 deadline as more than just another day on the calendar; it’s a potentially pivotal moment that seems to be having a significant impact on his play.
Beat reporters Paul Hoynes and Joe Noga examined Santana’s recent slump on the most recent episode of Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast. They offered a convincing explanation for the veteran’s difficulties: he is straining because he really wants to stay in Cleveland.
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According to Hoynes’ explanation on the show, when I approached Stephen Vogt about it, he was rather candid. He claimed that various players have varying reactions to the deadline, which is Thursday, at this time of year. At the very least, Carlos’s pressing was a sign to me.
The podcast’s conversation shed light on a little-known fact about baseball: even the most seasoned pros can suffer psychologically from trade rumors. Santana has experience dealing with mid-season uncertainty.
He is opposed to being traded. “I am positive of that,” Hoynes added. Additionally, during his career, he has been traded three times at the deadline. Therefore, he is aware of the symptoms and how this operates. I believe he would like to end this season and most likely his career in Cleveland.
This discovery offers vital background information for comprehending Santana’s present at-bat difficulties. The 38-year-old journeyman, who is usually renowned for his superb plate discipline and strike zone awareness, has been remarkably subpar lately.
During the discussion, Noga elaborated on this notion, saying, “Obviously Carlos Santana is a professional.” He’s not tanking to make himself less valuable as a trader or anything. Simply put, though, it’s in the back of your mind. Perhaps it has a detrimental effect on your on-field performance.
The stress of perhaps moving in the middle of the season is more than just getting used to a new squad. It requires players with families to quickly uproot their lives. It means leaving behind relationships that have been cultivated over years for veterans like Santana who have emotional attachments to particular organizations.
Santana’s unique bond with Cleveland, where he played the most of his career and saw his greatest success, is what makes his case so moving. For him, this third time with the Guardians seems to have great personal significance.
There is cause for hope for a possible recovery if Santana stays with Cleveland after the deadline. According to Hoynes, Santana usually does better following the All-Star break.
According to his stats, he is often a decent second half player, and I believe the Guardians are relying on that, Hoynes stated. I believe Carlos will be able to take a big breath and return to being a productive bat if they don’t trade him or relocate him. since he currently knows a great deal about the strike zone. He appears to be attempting to show himself by going above and beyond, as seen by the fact that he frequently swings and misses.
Hoynes assessed Santana’s chances of staying a Guardian until the deadline at seven out of ten, saying, “Obviously he’s still playing great defense.” However, you must be productive if you are a contender and you want to acquire or pursue a first baseman, right? His bat is what you’re going to go after. And he’s having trouble right now.
Carlos Santana’s trade deadline story serves as a reminder that people navigating uncertain futures are behind the numbers and transaction reports. Knowing this background gives Guardians fans a deeper perspective on Santana’s at-bats in the days ahead and may help them understand why one of baseball’s most disciplined hitters appears to be pressing at the plate.
Podcast transcript
