Dennis Santana had a fine season for the Pittsburgh Pirates this year, but the right-handed reliever probably won't draw as big a return on the trade market as many think.

Santana, 29, had a 4-5 record, 16 saves, and a 2.18 ERA in 70 games while striking out 60 in 70 innings. He also converted 10 of 12 save opportunities after the trade of two-time All-Star closer David Bednar to the New York Yankees on July 31.

The Pirates have helped Santana turn his career around since claiming him off waivers from the Yankees during the 2024 season. Until then, Santana had bounced from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Texas Rangers to the New York Mets to the Yankees over seven seasons from 2018-24 before landing with the Pirates.

Since coming to the Pirates, Santana has a 2.28 ERA in 109 games and 114 2/3 innings. Yet many MLB talent evaluators aren't convinced that Santana can become an elite closer, pointing to his 4.13 career ERA over eight seasons. He will also become more expensive next season as MLB Trade Rumors projects him to have a $3.4-million salary in his second year of arbitration.

So, what could Santana command on the trade market? One team that could match the Pirates for a potential deal is the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks are looking for pitching after ranking 22nd in MLB last season with a 4.49 ERA and finishing three games out of a National League playoff spot with an 80-82 record.

The Pirates need left-handed hitting after going 71-91 and finishing in last place in the NL Central. They were also last in MLB in runs scored, home runs, and OPS.

The Diamondbacks aren't likely to part with any of their top players for Santana. However, they might offer a useful player, such as left-handed outfielder Jake McCarthy.

The 28-year-old had a miserable season in 2025 when he hit .204/.247/.345 with four home runs in 67 games. However, the year before, McCarthy had a slash line of .285/.349/.400 in 142 games while hitting eight home runs and stealing 25 bases. He is arb-eligible for the first time this winter and projects to make $1.9 million next year.

The Diamondbacks would also need to add a second player to the trade, and left-handed-hitting outfield prospect Gavin Conticello could interest the Pirates. The 22-year-old played at Double-A San Antonio this past season and batted .275/.369/.435 with 12 homers in 121 games.

Would trading Santana be worth it, or would the Pirates be better served by keeping him as their closer? It is an interesting question for general manager Ben Cherington to ponder.