"Pete Alonso, welcome back to Mets"; "This is just bizarre" - Fans react as Guardians close to trade Josh Naylor for Carlos Santana on $12M contract

The Cleveland Guardians appear to have identified the man to replace outgoing first baseman Josh Naylor. MLB insider Jeff Passan reported on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday that Cleveland has reportedly agreed to sign Carlos Santana to a one-year, $12 million contract.

Plenty of fans commented on Passan's post. Many were left puzzled by the Guardians' choice to acquire Santana despite the availability of other top-quality first basemen, such as Pete Alonso.

"Pete Alonso welcome back to the New York Mets," one wrote.

"This is just bizarre."

"Would have been a good signing 20 years ago lol," another fan wrote.

"What exactly is Cleveland's plan," another fan posted.

"Feel bad for Cleveland fans," another fan shared.

"Wow. Traded spots for an older and more epxensive 1B. Make this make sense please," another fan commented.

Carlos Santana had a decent 2024 with the Minnesota Twins, finishing with a .238 batting average, 23 home runs and 71 RBIs. The season ended on a disappointing note, though, as the Twins failed to make it to the postseason.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks may be the best place for Josh Naylor to build on a career-best 2024 season

Josh Naylor had arguably the best season of his career in 2024. Owing to his superb performances, the 27-year-old earned his first All-Star cap, finishing the campaign with a .243 batting average, 31 home runs and 108 RBIs, a key part of Stephen Vogt's team that won the AL Central and made it all the way to the ALCS, only to lose out to the eventual World Series runners- up, the New York Yankees.

On Saturday, it was confirmed that the Arizona Diamondbacks had agreed a deal to acquire Naylor.

Naylor's new home may prove to be the perfect place for him to continue on the upward trajectory he's been on as he joins a formidable offensive lineup including Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Eugenio Suarez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

It's a great move for the D-backs as well. They get a great bat and a reliable fixture at first base as they attempt to return to the postseason after missing out on the last day of the 2024 regular season.