The Cleveland Guardians have been notably quiet this offseason, and it’s starting to wear on a fanbase that’s watched the team come up short in the postseason after back-to-back AL Central titles. The need for offensive firepower is obvious-this lineup could use a jolt just about anywhere-but so far, the front office hasn’t opened the checkbook for a major addition.
Now, this doesn’t mean Cleveland is completely sitting on its hands. While they’re not chasing the likes of Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, or Alex Bregman, the Guardians are digging through the bargain bin in search of value. And one recent move, though it flew under the radar, might offer more upside than it initially seems.
The Guardians have signed Carter Kieboom to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp. It’s not a headline-grabbing move, but it’s the kind of low-risk, high-upside signing that could quietly pay off down the line.
Kieboom is a name some fans might remember from his days as a top prospect in the Nationals system. He was once penciled in as the successor to Anthony Rendon at third base in Washington, but things never quite clicked.
Since debuting in 2019, he’s struggled to find his footing, slashing just .200 over 516 major league plate appearances. That’s a tough line, no doubt-but there’s more to the story.
Last season, Kieboom spent most of his time in Triple-A, where he hit .319 in the Pacific Coast League. That’s not nothing.
Sure, the PCL is hitter-friendly, but it still takes skill to consistently put the bat on the ball. He also got a brief look with the Angels in 2025, logging eight at-bats, but didn’t stick.
Now 28, he’s at a crossroads-but with the right coaching and opportunity, there’s still a chance he taps into some of that early promise.
From the Guardians’ perspective, this is a smart depth play. Kieboom isn’t coming in to challenge a young bat like Kyle Manzardo for at-bats or clubhouse standing.
In fact, this move could be seen as a form of insurance for Manzardo, who had a breakout 2025 campaign and has earned his spot. Kieboom provides coverage-someone who can step in if things go sideways, but who doesn’t pose a threat to the development of the team’s young core.
There’s no guarantee here, and fans hoping for a big splash won’t be satisfied by a minor league flyer. But this is the kind of under-the-radar signing that smart front offices make: low cost, no pressure, and a chance to unlock value where others might not see it.
If Kieboom finds a groove, the Guardians might have quietly added a useful piece to their infield depth chart. If not, they move on with no harm done.
It’s not the bold move fans are waiting for-but in a long season, depth matters. And sometimes, it’s the quiet moves in January that end up making noise by July.