Brewers Trade Deadline: 1B Carlos Santana Is A Potential Trade Target

Leave no stone unturned. David Stearns follows that philosophy and will look everywhere to upgrade his roster. One place he could be taking an extended look at is Kansas City, where he could potentially find the next Milwaukee Brewers first baseman.

A potential Milwaukee free agent target this last offseason, Carlos Santana signed a two year deal with the Kansas City Royals. It was an unexpected deal considering the Royals weren’t considered to be contenders, but they were aggressive in the offseason. That hasn’t panned out well for them as they are sellers come the Trade Deadline.

That makes Santana a valuable trade asset for KC as he’s under control for a year and a half and he’s been a productive player, putting up a .239/.353/.414 slash line with 17 homers, 10 doubles, 55 RBIs, and just about as many walks as strikeouts.

Royals 1B Carlos Santana would be an excellent fit on the Milwaukee Brewers and should be available at the Trade Deadline.

The Brewers currently lack consistent production from their first base options. Santana would remedy that immediately. A switch hitter, the 35 year old Santana would instantly improve and lengthen the Brewers lineup, adding some power and plenty of experience.

Santana only strikes out about 15% of the time, which would also be a welcome addition to the Brewers lineup that finds itself striking out more often than usual.

He also brings plenty of postseason experience and would instantly take on the role of a veteran leader in the clubhouse.

When it comes to Santana’s contract, he’s owed just over $2MM for the remainder of this year and has a $10.5MM price tag for next year. Perhaps the Brewers would be able to negotiate for the Royals to kick in some money to pay that down for 2022. But the more the Royals pay down, the better the prospect return they get from the Brewers.

As for the prospects that could be given up, it’s unlikely that a deal for Santana would require anyone from the top tier of prospects such as a Brice Turang, Garrett Mitchell, or Aaron Ashby. Prospects in the 15-25 range on the Brewers list are more likely to be in the conversation for a deal like this.

There could be some traction in Santana trade talks out there, and there’s a strong chance the Brewers would be involved. He fits a need, adds experience, and isn’t too expensive to acquire both in prospects and in salary. Don’t be surprised if Santana becomes a Brewer soon.

Everything is still fluid ahead of the Trade Deadline in a few days. Milwaukee is going to have some additions they need to make and Santana could be one.