The Cleveland Guardians were a study in contrasts this past season. They finished 88-74, took home the American League Central crown, and then saw their playoff run cut short by the Tigers in the Wild Card Series.
Their formula? Pitching, defense, and a lineup built on contact hitting.
But what was missing was just as clear: runs. Cleveland ranked in the bottom three in MLB in runs per game-only the Rockies and Pirates scored less.
That’s the context heading into the Winter Meetings, and the Guardians' to-do list isn’t exactly a mystery. Let’s break it down.
1. Add Real Power to the Lineup
This offense needs juice. And not just a little spark-Cleveland needs a legitimate power threat, ideally one who can slot in at first base.
The team has been linked to Munetaka Murakami, a lefty slugger with the kind of pop that could instantly reshape the middle of the order. He’s a dream fit at either corner infield spot, but even if that doesn’t materialize, the message is clear: José Ramírez can’t carry the power load alone.
Internal candidates like CJ Kayfus and Kyle Manzardo offer promise, but they profile more as high-contact, gap-to-gap hitters than true home run threats. That’s fine in supporting roles, but if Cleveland wants to take the next step from division champ to legitimate postseason contender, they need someone who can flip a game with one swing.
2. Find a Right-Handed Veteran Outfielder
The Guardians’ outfield is talented but tilted-left-handed and light on pop. That’s why there’s a clear push to bring in a veteran right-handed bat to balance things out. The idea isn’t just to fill a spot, but to add presence and production to a group that needs both.
Steven Kwan’s name has been floated in trade rumors, but moving a two-time Gold Glover and elite leadoff hitter would require a massive return. Unless a deal blows them away, Kwan likely stays.
Even so, the need for another outfielder remains. Someone who can handle right-handed pitching, bring a bit of thump, and stabilize the lineup's balance.
3. Reinforce the Back End of the Bullpen
The bullpen was a strength not long ago, but it’s now a question mark. Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz are unavailable-both facing a 2026 federal trial on bribery-related charges and having spent most of 2025 on leave. That’s left the Guardians without their top-end relief arms and with a bullpen that’s suddenly thin on experience and options.
Names like Alexis Díaz and Devin Williams have been floated as potential trade targets, but even if Cleveland doesn’t land a marquee closer, a solid second-tier addition could go a long way. This is a team built to win tight, low-scoring games-think 3-2, not 9-6-so reliable late-inning relief isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The Guardians showed they can win the AL Central with elite pitching and a contact-first offense. But if they want to make noise in October, they’ll need to shop beyond the singles aisle.
The Winter Meetings are their chance to do just that-add power, add balance, and add bullpen depth. Because in today’s game, pitching and defense will keep you in it, but power can push you over the top.