Santana returns to Indians in 3-team trade
The Cleveland LAS VEGAS — Indians reacquired fan favorite Carlos Santana and sent slugger Edwin Encarnacion to Seattle in a threeteam trade Thursday that also involved Tampa Bay.
The Rays got infielder Yandy Diaz and minor league right-hander Cole Sulser from Cleveland. The Indians also acquired first baseman Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay, while the Mariners also got cash and a draft pick.
Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto finished the trade while in a hospital. He fell ill during the winter meetings and was checked “out of an abundance of caution,” the Mariners said.
Coming off their third straight AL Central title, the Indians had been expected to make a move at the meetings, presumably with ace Corey Kluber or pitcher Trevor Bauer.
Instead, they jettisoned Encarnacion — the designated hitter has averaged 108 RBIs over the last seven seasons — and brought back the popular Santana.
“Not sure how to feel,” Indians star Jose Ramirez tweeted after the deal.
The 32-year-old Santana, known for his power and ability to draw walks, spent the first eight seasons of his career in Cleveland before signing a $60 million, threeyear deal with Philadelphia last offseason.
Philadelphia sent Santana to the rebuilding Mariners this month in a swap that included All-Star shortstop Jean Segura. Santana, appreciated by Indians fans even more after he left, still has $35 million left on his contract.
Santana hit .229 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs while walking 110 times as the Phillies’ first baseman last season. He is owed $17 million next season and $17.5 million in 2020, part of a deal that includes a $17.5 million team option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout.
Encarnacion, who turns 36 next month, had 107 RBIs while hitting 32 homers and .246. He leads the majors in homers and RBIs since 2012.
“We’re excited to add a proven offensive performer in Edwin Encarnacion,” Dipoto said in a statement. “In addition, by adding another draft pick for 2019, we have another opportunity to add to the talent in our minor league system.”
Encarnacion is guaranteed $25 million: $20 million next season and a $5 million buyout of a $25 million club option for 2020.
Seattle gets a competitive balance round B draft pick, currently projected at 77th overall. The busy Mariners recently traded star second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz, who led the majors in saves.
Tampa Bay was eager to get Yandy Diaz, who hit .283 with 28 RBIs in 88 games for Cleveland in the last two seasons. Highly regarded at 27, his opportunities were limited with the Indians.