The Cleveland Guardians have been quiet this offseason-very quiet. With less than two months to go before Opening Day, the team hasn’t made a single free agent signing north of $1.5 million.
That’s not just frugal; it’s a clear signal. The front office is betting on internal improvements rather than chasing big names on the open market.
Whether that’s a bold strategy or a risky roll of the dice depends on how you view this roster-and how much faith you have in the kids coming up.
This is a club aiming for a third straight AL Central crown, but fans are understandably restless. After finishing near the bottom of the league in offense last season, the Guardians could absolutely use another bat or two.
The lineup lacked punch in 2025, and even modest upgrades could go a long way. But not every rumored target is being welcomed with open arms.
One name that’s been floated: veteran first baseman Ty France. He’s a free agent, and on paper, he checks a few boxes-experience, contact ability, and likely a short-term, low-cost deal.
But not everyone’s sold. Cade Cracas of BIGPLAY Cleveland recently voiced his skepticism on social media, saying, “I hope the Guardians don’t sign Ty France.
Wouldn’t quite make much sense.”
It’s not hard to see where Cracas is coming from. France, now 31, has seen his production dip in recent years.
In 2025, he split time between the Twins and Blue Jays, hitting .257 with seven home runs, 52 RBIs, and a .681 OPS over 138 games. That’s a far cry from the version of France we saw between 2020 and 2022, when he was more of a consistent threat at the plate.
At this point in his career, the question isn’t just “What can he give you?”-it’s “Is there another level left?”
Still, let’s be honest: Cleveland’s offense was so underwhelming last season that even a .681 OPS would’ve been an upgrade in some spots. That’s the reality the Guardians are working with. France might not be the long-term answer, but on a cheap deal, he could be a serviceable stopgap.
But the bigger conversation here isn’t just about Ty France-it’s about direction. The Guardians have a crop of young talent knocking on the door, and fans are eager to see what they can do.
One name to watch: C.J. Kayfus.
The 2023 third-round pick has been generating buzz, and there’s a real argument to be made that he’s ready for a shot at regular playing time. If Kayfus can log 500 at-bats at first base, there’s a chance he could match-or even exceed-what France would bring to the table.
So this isn’t just about avoiding a signing that feels uninspired. It’s about giving the next generation a chance to take the reins. The Guardians are clearly leaning into internal development, and while that path comes with growing pains, it also offers upside that a veteran stopgap simply doesn’t.
Whether they stay the course or pivot before Opening Day remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: the Guardians aren’t looking to make noise in free agency-they’re hoping their young core does that on the field.