In the world of baseball, spring training might not be the prime time for major transactions, but it certainly sets the stage for some intriguing roster moves. As teams fine-tune their lineups, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves with a few players who could be on the trading block. Let’s dive into three potential trade candidates that the Guardians might consider moving as they approach the end of spring training.
Gabriel Arias - Shortstop
Gabriel Arias has been quietly making a case for himself this spring, hitting .313 over seven games with a couple of doubles and two walks, while keeping his strikeouts to just five. Despite his talent, Arias has struggled with a career strikeout rate of 33.3%, which has hindered his impact at the major league level.
With no big league options left, it's a make-or-break year for him. Even if he makes the team out of camp, the leash will be short due to last season’s struggles and the depth of infield prospects behind him.
The Guardians might look to trade Arias now rather than risk losing him for nothing if he’s designated for assignment.
Logan Allen - Left-Handed Pitcher
The Guardians’ decision to revert to a five-man rotation for the 2026 season means someone from their successful six-man rotation of last year will be left out. Logan Allen, who posted a 4.25 ERA last season, might be the odd man out.
While a left-handed innings eater is usually valuable, the Guardians already have two lefties and an innings eater in their lineup. Allen has been consistently average since his debut in 2023, making this an opportune moment for the Guardians to consider trading him while his value is steady.
Though he has a minor league option left, the demand for pitching could make a trade the better choice.
Connor Brogdon - Right-Handed Pitcher
After signing Connor Brogdon to a one-year deal at the Winter Meetings, the Guardians didn’t stop there, adding several other free agent relievers to their roster. Brogdon, known for his impressive extension-finishing last season in the 92nd percentile-had a challenging year with a 5.55 ERA over 47 innings.
With no minor league options left, the Guardians would need to put him on waivers to remove him from the roster, making a trade a more appealing option. Given his potential and unique profile, Brogdon is likely to attract interest from other teams.
As spring training progresses, these players represent intriguing possibilities for the Guardians to explore in the trade market, balancing their current roster needs with future potential.