The Indians acquiring Carlos Santana from the Los Angeles Dodgers ranks as the CBSSports.com MLB Rumors blog's third-best trade deadline deal since 2007.
Year: 2008
Trading partner: Los Angeles Dodgers
Who the Indians acquired: Catcher Carlos Santana and pitcher Jon Meloan
Who the Indians gave up: Third baseman Casey Blake
Why the deal worked for the Indians: The Indians acquired one of the best young prospects in baseball for Blake, 34. Santana reached the majors in 2010 and got off to a torrid start, hitting .260/.401/.467 before suffering a gruesome knee injury. He returned the following year and hit 27 home runs for the Indians. While he’s struggled a bit this season, his future is still incredibly bright. The Indians acquired a great, young talent who is about to hit his prime for an aging veteran who only had a few seasons left to play.
Where are they now? Santana is firmly entrenched as the Indians' starting catcher. Still just 26, there’s room for him to improve.
Blake was released by the Rockies during spring training. He retired in May.
