The Cleveland Guardians have a knack for flying under the radar-until it matters most. They’re not the flashiest team, and they don’t throw around the kind of money that grabs headlines. But what they do have is a franchise cornerstone in José Ramírez, and they just made it clear how much they value him.
This past offseason, the Guardians locked up Ramírez with a 7-year, $175 million extension. That’s not just a big number for a mid-market club-it’s a statement.
It says that if you give everything to this organization, they’ll find a way to give back. And Ramírez has given everything.
Thirteen seasons, all in Cleveland. Seven All-Star selections.
A blend of power, speed, and leadership that’s become the heartbeat of this team.
Let’s talk numbers: 30 home runs, 44 stolen bases, 103 runs scored, and 85 RBI last season. That’s not just production-that’s elite, two-way impact.
He’s hit 30 or more homers four times in his career, and at 33, he’s showing no signs of slowing down. If he stays healthy, don’t be surprised to see him rack up a few more All-Star nods before he’s done.
The Hall of Fame? He’s on that trajectory.
But as good as Ramírez is-and he’s as good as it gets-the Guardians know they need more to reclaim the top spot in the AL Central and push past a rising Detroit Tigers squad. That starts with adding another bat, preferably one with pop and a glove that can hold its own in the outfield.
Enter Steven Kwan, Ramírez’s steady running mate in left field. Kwan is the kind of player who grinds out at-bats and sets the tone at the top of the order.
His .272/.330/.374 slash line last season doesn’t jump off the page, but the 29 doubles and 11 homers tell you he knows how to keep the line moving. He’s a classic table-setter-fouls off tough pitches, uses all fields, and plays with a high baseball IQ.
That said, the Guardians’ lineup could use a jolt. Specifically, they need a right fielder who brings both defensive chops and legitimate power.
One name that checks those boxes? Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox.
Abreu has been a steady presence in Boston’s outfield over the past two seasons. He hit 15 homers with 58 RBI in 2024, then upped that to 22 home runs and 69 RBI last season-even while playing just 115 games.
Project that over a full season, and you're looking at a potential 30-homer guy. Defensively, he’s a Gold Glove winner with a cannon for an arm and the kind of range that can take away extra bases.
The fit in Cleveland makes a lot of sense. The Guardians need a bat like his, and he wouldn’t be a liability in the field.
But getting him won’t be easy. The Red Sox are loaded in the outfield, but that doesn’t mean they’re eager to part with Abreu.
Boston has a logjam with four legit outfielders and a clear commitment to second-year standout Roman Anthony in left. Ceddanne Rafaela is locked into center with his Gold Glove defense.
That leaves Abreu and Jarren Duran as the most likely trade chips. Most of the chatter has centered around Duran, but his speed, energy, and knack for clutch hitting make him a tough piece to give up.
If he’s moved, he could be a spark plug for a playoff run somewhere else.
So back to Abreu. He’s a more realistic target for Cleveland, but even then, the price will be steep.
The Red Sox are reportedly looking for infield help-preferably a proven second baseman. That’s a problem for the Guardians, who don’t have a ready-made match.
Their top prospect, Travis Bazzana, is expected to take over at second soon, and they’re not about to move him. The 21-year-old Australian has star potential, and Cleveland’s banking on him becoming a key piece of their future core.
That leaves the Guardians in a bit of a bind. If they’re serious about landing a big bat like Abreu-or even taking a swing at someone like Duran-they may have to get creative. That could mean bringing a third team into the mix, one that can send Boston the kind of infielder they’re after.
It’s a tricky puzzle, but one worth solving. Because with Ramírez still playing at an elite level, Kwan setting the tone, and a young core coming into its own, the Guardians are close. Add the right piece in the outfield, and they’re not just contenders in the Central-they’re a team no one wants to see come October.