The Guardians will approach MLB's 2026 Trade Deadline with some interesting decisions to make.
With Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez likely to still be on the IL as the deadline approaches, the Guardians will have to evaluate what their team is likely to be in need of when their best player as well as their current slugging leader make their returns. One would THINK that a team that is steadily in the bottom of all offensive categories except on-base percentage would still be in the market for some slugging, particularly from the right-handed side of the plate.
The number one place on the team where there is no clear internal option is for one more high leverage reliever, preferably one that bats left-handed. Of course, every team in MLB will be hoping to find a high leverage reliever and a right-handed power threat at the deadline. Will Cleveland be willing to do a little overpay to get one of these players? …It doesn't seem like the kind of thing they typically do… but I suppose the Lane Thomas deal kinda qualifies.
The trickiest category of potential acquisitions is a starting pitcher. The Guardians' rotation is strong. However, how likely is it that all five of them will make it through the season, because the depth behind them is practically non-existent. Personally, I'd be delighted if the Guardians shocked us and added another front of the rotation arm and showed willingness to let Cantillo or Cecconi become multi-inning weapons in the pen. But, I don't expect that kind of move, and admit it probably makes sense to focus your resources on improving the lineup and bullpen. So, I'm not going to spend time below focusing on the starters the Guardians could target. If they do, great. If anything, I'd see them doing a 2024 Matthew Boyd-type deal where they find a pitcher who is rehabbing they can take a flyer on. (But, they do also have Ben Lively somewhere who may fit that category).
I see the Guardians being willing to consider trading prospects for major league help, but I also suspect they will look to trade some of their own players even independent from acquiring help for now. I ***** ume, at this point, that they will trade Franco Aleman, who should be an ***** et in a deal for help now. Otherwise, I'm not sure why he wouldn't be with the major league team at this point. Bo Naylor probably gets moved for a comp pick at best, but more likely a lottery ticket-type prospect. I think they may deal Steven Kwan to a team who believes they can fix what ails him as a hitter, as many of his underlying skills remain. They're not going to get much for Kwan, though, so imagine him as more of a third-piece or a player they trade for a comp pick/lottery ticket, also.
With Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez likely to still be on the IL as the deadline approaches, the Guardians will have to evaluate what their team is likely to be in need of when their best player as well as their current slugging leader make their returns. One would THINK that a team that is steadily in the bottom of all offensive categories except on-base percentage would still be in the market for some slugging, particularly from the right-handed side of the plate.
The number one place on the team where there is no clear internal option is for one more high leverage reliever, preferably one that bats left-handed. Of course, every team in MLB will be hoping to find a high leverage reliever and a right-handed power threat at the deadline. Will Cleveland be willing to do a little overpay to get one of these players? …It doesn't seem like the kind of thing they typically do… but I suppose the Lane Thomas deal kinda qualifies.
The trickiest category of potential acquisitions is a starting pitcher. The Guardians' rotation is strong. However, how likely is it that all five of them will make it through the season, because the depth behind them is practically non-existent. Personally, I'd be delighted if the Guardians shocked us and added another front of the rotation arm and showed willingness to let Cantillo or Cecconi become multi-inning weapons in the pen. But, I don't expect that kind of move, and admit it probably makes sense to focus your resources on improving the lineup and bullpen. So, I'm not going to spend time below focusing on the starters the Guardians could target. If they do, great. If anything, I'd see them doing a 2024 Matthew Boyd-type deal where they find a pitcher who is rehabbing they can take a flyer on. (But, they do also have Ben Lively somewhere who may fit that category).
I see the Guardians being willing to consider trading prospects for major league help, but I also suspect they will look to trade some of their own players even independent from acquiring help for now. I ***** ume, at this point, that they will trade Franco Aleman, who should be an ***** et in a deal for help now. Otherwise, I'm not sure why he wouldn't be with the major league team at this point. Bo Naylor probably gets moved for a comp pick at best, but more likely a lottery ticket-type prospect. I think they may deal Steven Kwan to a team who believes they can fix what ails him as a hitter, as many of his underlying skills remain. They're not going to get much for Kwan, though, so imagine him as more of a third-piece or a player they trade for a comp pick/lottery ticket, also.
4 months ago
