Carlos Santana and Aaron Civale joined the Cubs as the playoff chase intensified, giving Chicago veteran depth and bullpen flexibility. Santana, a switch-hitter with post-season pedigree, slides onto Counsell’s bench and offers insurance for a potential lineup shuffle. Civale profiles as a bulk-relief option who could start if needed, preserving rotation options. Cubs promotions of Alcántara and Caissie add youthful upside as Pete Crow-Armstrong cools at the plate.

The moves underscore a pragmatic, veteran-flavored infusion to fortify a 28-man roster on the cusp of a championship push, with Santana eyeing a title before retirement and Civale aiming to leverage this fresh opportunity for impact in high-leverage moments.

Guardians’ offense stalls in a 4-2 loss to Seattle, producing two hits and two runs as the season slips away. Ramirez remains in a multi‑week slump while Jones resurges and Manzardo delivers nightly power, with Valera looming for steady ABs. Santana’s departure to the Cubs and bullpen upheaval around Clase and Ortiz add uncertainty to late‑season fantasy projections.

Labor Day opens a series with Boston as Valera’s potential arrival and a string of roster moves could shape the final stretch. The Guardians’ notes touch on a women‑led podcast and the ongoing challenge of turning a lost season into a source of upside for fantasy managers and real‑world decisions.

Carlos Santana was released by the Guardians, opening the door for a veteran bat to land with a contender while Cleveland leans into its youth at first base. He posted 11 homers and 52 RBIs in 116 games this season with a .225 average, but time behind younger names accelerated the exit. Santana’s track record—All-Star, Silver Slugger, and a 2024 Gold Glove with Minnesota—keeps him in play for teams seeking steady depth at 1B/DH.

Cleveland pushed Manzardo and Kayfus forward, signaling a pivot from veteran reliability to upside and development. With Santana available, expect multiple clubs to explore a short-term, cost-controlled signing that could yield immediate 1B/DH balance and veteran leadership for a playoff push.

Two Guardians pitchers, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, are on leave amid MLB gambling investigations, a heavy blow to Cleveland’s bullpen. Cade Smith has moved into the closer role in Clase’s absence, while Carlos Santana offers steady leadership from the clubhouse.

With the investigation dragging on, Cleveland’s 2025 playoff odds look dimmer and fantasy managers face volatile saves and bullpen roles. Smith’s opportunity is real, but long suspensions could force midseason reshuffles and late-callups, so monitor the Aug. 31 timeline and any extension.