The Guardians’ search for offense could lead them right back to what they already seem to like: another left-handed bat.
That’s where Alec Burleson comes in. With the Cardinals sitting 2.5 games out of the third wild card spot, St.
Louis may decide to listen if a deal helps them reshape the roster, and Burleson is the kind of name that fits the Guardians’ usual appetite for lefty hitters. He’s 27, he can play first base, outfield and designated hitter, and he’s under team control through 2028.
Burleson’s numbers make the case. He owns a career 110 wRC+, and over the last two seasons he’s up to 124 wRC+ with a 15/7.4 K/BB% and a .287/.343/.460 slashline.
The split is the part that matters most: a 145 wRC+ against right-handed pitching and a 65 wRC+ against lefties. In other words, he’s a strong-side platoon bat, but a really good one.
Defensively, he’s not going to wow anyone at first base or in left field, though he can handle both spots without becoming a liability. The cleaner fit is probably at DH, where he has posted a 145 wRC+ over the past two seasons.
That would also give the Guardians some flexibility on days when José or DeLauter needs to DH, with Burleson able to slide to first or left field as needed. There’s also a little ballpark appeal here: according to Baseball Savant, his career home run total would be essentially unchanged at Progressive Field, actually one more than at Busch Stadium.
If Cleveland were to land Burleson, it would still make sense to keep chasing one of the bigger left-handed mashers on the market - Jo Adell, Taylor Ward, Heriberto Hernandez or Ty France. But Burleson is the type of bat that could fit, and fit well, if the Cardinals are willing to talk.
As for the price, Ralphy Velazquez and Juneiker Caceres are off limits, and Angel Genao is probably in that same category. Beyond that, the conversation can start.
And if St. Louis believes it can fix Kyle Manzardo, the Guardians would at least have a reason to listen - along with a very good prospect.
In Other News...
Guardians Suddenly Linked To The Kind Of Bat Fans Have Begged For
The Guardians have been searching for a right-handed bat that can deepen the lineup, and a familiar trade partner has surfaced in that conversation. Toronto outfielder George Springer has come up as a possible fit, with his ability to handle designated hitter duties or play the outfield giving Cleveland a flexible way to add offense without forcing a bigger roster shuffle.
Financially, the idea is not quite as simple as the fit on paper. Springer is still attached to a sizable 2026 salary, and even with Toronto having already covered most of it, Cleveland may need the Blue Jays to take on more money before anything gets serious. The two clubs have done business before, including recent deals involving Shane Bieber, Miles Straw and Andres Gimenez, but for now this is still one of those rumors that hints at a move without quite crossing the finish line. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians May Have Found A Deadline Bat Fans Would Actually Feel
The Guardians have spent much of the deadline season being linked to pitching, but the more interesting possibility might be a bat that could actually change how the lineup feels in a series. In that search, one name stands out as a fit because he brings real power, positional flexibility and enough control to make him more than a rental, which matters for a club that has to be careful about every move it makes.
There are still reasons to pause before getting too excited. He has been much less effective against left-handed pitching over the past two seasons, and the defensive profile is more useful than flashy, with value spread across the outfield and designated hitter spot. Even so, the price tag could be the kind of prospect package that forces Cleveland to decide whether adding a slugger now is worth parting with a piece from its deeper young core. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians May Finally Have A Marlins Bat Worth The Risk
The Guardians have spent much of the summer weighing whether to add a bat that can actually change the shape of their lineup, and the Marlins could offer a name that fits the search. Cleveland has been linked to the idea of chasing a left-handed hitter with some real thump, the kind of player who could step into the everyday mix and give the offense a different look as the trade deadline approaches.
What makes the conversation tricky is the price. Any deal for a bat with this kind of appeal would not come cheaply, and the Guardians would likely have to decide how much prospect capital they are willing to spend for a player who could help right away. For a front office that usually prefers to protect its long-term inventory, that is the real tension here, and it is why this remains more of a possibility than a finished move. [Read more 🡒]