The Cleveland Guardians are sitting one game behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central and carrying a 47-46 record, which puts them squarely in the mix as trade deadline buyers.
The obvious problem is offense. Cleveland has scored the second-fewest runs in MLB, and that lack of punch is the loudest need on the roster. But there’s another layer here, one that Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic flagged for Guardians fans to watch.
“Something else to keep in mind with the Guards: They have used only five starters, so they could look to add depth to their rotation as well as their bullpen,” Rosenthal and Sammon write.
That makes sense given how the pitching staff has held together so far. Parker Messick has been the headliner with a 2.80 ERA and 109 strikeouts, putting himself in legitimate Cy Young territory.
Behind him, Gavin Williams has a 3.89 ERA, Tanner Bibee sits at 4.06, Joe Cantillo has posted a 3.66 ERA, and Slade Cecconi is at 4.55. None of that screams star power across the board, but it does give Cleveland a rotation that has not become a glaring problem.
Still, the fact that the Guardians have only needed five starters this season creates an opening for a cheap rental if the front office wants to reinforce the group.
The bullpen is in a similar spot. Cade Smith, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis, Shawn Armstrong, Matt Festa, Colin Holderman, and others have formed a solid relief mix, and there isn’t an obvious hole there either. Even so, extra depth never hurts, especially for a team trying to stay afloat in a tight division race.
So while the bats remain the biggest priority, Rosenthal and Sammon’s point is worth keeping in mind: bullpen and rotation help are quieter needs, but they’re still needs for this Guardians team.
In Other News...
Guardians Fans May Not Love Where Stuart Fairchild Just Resurfaced
Stuart Fairchilds stop in Cleveland was brief, and his next landing spot already looks a little more promising. After being designated for assignment by the Guardians and then electing free agency, the outfielder has resurfaced in the Mariners organization, where he wasted little time making an impression in the Arizona Complex League by homering in his first game.
For Guardians fans, the more frustrating part may be the timing. Fairchild never found much traction during his stint in Cleveland, but Seattles rash of outfield injuries could give him a clearer path upward if he keeps producing. It is the kind of roster turn that can make a short-lived move look a lot more consequential in hindsight. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Trade Deadline Wish List Just Got A Lot More Real
The Guardians search for a lineup boost is starting to feel a lot less theoretical as the trade deadline approaches. Cleveland has been linked to outfield help, and the names surfacing fit the kind of swing the front office has been chasing - a player with real power and another who could bring longer-term value without forcing the club to empty the cupboard.
Mickey Moniak and Garrett Mitchell each offer something different, which is part of what makes the situation worth watching. Moniak brings the appeal of a bat that has flashed big slugging production and a contract situation that would make him more of a short-term add, while Mitchell would be a tougher pull from a contending Brewers club but comes with years of control attached. With the AL Central and Wild Card races both tightening, Clevelands deadline plan may come down to how aggressively it wants to push for help now versus protecting what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians May Be Running Out Of Time With Kody Huff
The Guardians have already leaned heavily on their player pipeline this season, bringing nine players to the majors before the All-Star break, and that kind of churn has only sharpened the focus on who might be next. Kody Huff has put himself into that conversation with a breakout offensive year, hitting .272/.384/.498 with 14 doubles and 11 home runs, while also showing he can handle more than one spot on the field.
Acquired from the Rockies in 2023, Huff has expanded beyond catcher and given Cleveland a look at him at first base and third base as well. That versatility matters for a club that has been willing to move prospects quickly when the roster calls for it, and it leaves the Guardians with a decision to make on how soon they want to test him at the highest level. [Read more 🡒]