The Cleveland Guardians have never been the flashiest team in Major League Baseball, but they’ve built a reputation for doing things their way - and doing them well. They don’t chase headlines or throw around blockbuster contracts like the Dodgers, Yankees, or Mets.
But when it comes to rewarding loyalty, work ethic, and elite production, they step up. Case in point: José Ramírez.
Ramírez, the heartbeat of this Guardians team, signed a 7-year, $175 million extension in the offseason - a clear message that Cleveland is committed to its cornerstone. And when you look at what Ramírez brings to the table, it’s easy to see why.
He’s not just good - he’s elite. A switch-hitter with pop, speed, and Gold Glove-caliber defense, Ramírez continues to be one of the most complete players in the game.
Last season, he put together another vintage campaign: 30 home runs, 44 stolen bases, 103 runs scored, and 85 RBIs. That’s not just filling up the stat sheet - that’s impacting the game in every facet.
At 33 years old and already a 7-time All-Star, Ramírez is showing no signs of slowing down. If he keeps this up, Cooperstown is going to be calling when it’s all said and done.
But even with Ramírez doing his thing, the Guardians know they need more if they want to reclaim the top spot in the AL Central and get past a resurgent Detroit Tigers squad. One area that could use a boost?
Right field. That’s where the name Wilyer Abreu starts to make a lot of sense.
Before we get to Abreu, let’s not overlook Steven Kwan - Ramírez’s running mate in the lineup and one of the most underrated leadoff hitters in the American League. Kwan is the kind of guy who grinds out at-bats, fouls off tough pitches, and sprays the ball to all fields.
He’s a throwback hitter with a modern approach. Last year, he slashed .272/.330/.374 with 29 doubles, 11 homers, and a triple.
He’s not flashy, but he’s incredibly valuable - the perfect table-setter for someone like Ramírez.
Still, the Guardians need more thump in the lineup. Specifically, they need a power-hitting corner outfielder who can lengthen the batting order and give opposing pitchers something else to worry about. That’s where Abreu comes in.
The Red Sox have a logjam in the outfield, and there’s a sense around the league that they’re willing to move one of their guys. Roman Anthony is locked into left field, and Ceddanne Rafaela - a defensive wizard in center - isn’t going anywhere. That leaves two names in the rumor mill: Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu.
Duran’s name has popped up in trade talks, but Boston may be hesitant to move him. His speed is electric, his bat has come alive in key moments, and his energy is contagious. That makes Abreu the more likely trade chip - and a potential fit for Cleveland.
Abreu brings the kind of power and defense that could immediately upgrade the Guardians’ outfield. He’s already got a Gold Glove under his belt, and his arm strength makes him a weapon in right field.
Offensively, he’s trending up. In 2024, he hit 15 home runs and drove in 58 runs over 132 games.
Last season, despite playing just 115 games, he upped his totals to 22 homers and 69 RBIs. Project that over a full 150-game season, and you’re looking at a guy who could flirt with 30 bombs.
That’s exactly the kind of bat Cleveland needs - someone who can protect Ramírez in the lineup and change the game with one swing. But prying Abreu away from Boston won’t be easy.
The Red Sox are thin in the infield and are actively searching for help, particularly at second base. That’s where things get complicated for Cleveland.
The Guardians don’t have an obvious trade match on the infield. Their top prospect, Travis Bazzana, is expected to take over at second base, and they’re not looking to move him. The Australian infielder has star potential, and Cleveland is banking on his development.
Boston, meanwhile, is looking for more established help to complement their young core, which includes Anthony and shortstop Marcelo Mayer. That means if the Guardians want to make a serious run at Abreu - or even Duran - they may need to loop in a third team to get it done. A team with a second baseman the Red Sox covet could help facilitate a deal that brings a big bat to Cleveland.
The Guardians have the pitching, the defense, and a superstar in Ramírez. Add a slugging outfielder like Abreu to the mix, and they could be back in the thick of the AL playoff race.
But the clock’s ticking. Spring training is just around the corner, and if Cleveland wants to make a statement, now’s the time to act.