MLB:
How does Santana’s remaining $12 million obligation affect the Guardians’ decisions for rest-of-season moves or future payroll planning?
Qwiket AI:
The Guardians carry Santana’s money as a sunk cost, limiting immediate payroll flexibility but not blocking cap-friendly moves. This can allow them to lean into youth and flexibility, prioritizing rest days and platoon balance over long-term payroll risk. In practice, it means rest-of-season depth acquisition might lean toward controllable, lower-cost options rather than pricey, all-or-nothing upgrades.
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Cleveland Guardians: