The Guardians are heading toward the trade deadline with more than one possible move on their hands, and the names worth watching aren’t all coming in. Cleveland could also decide to send a few players out before August 3.
Bo Naylor is one of the clearest candidates. He’s still on the 40-man roster, but the Guardians essentially moved past him in May when they traded for Patrick Bailey, who isn’t a free agent until after the __ season. Cleveland also has plenty of catching depth behind Bailey, with Austin Hedges, Cooper Ingle and Kody Huff at the Minor League level, plus Jacob Cozart and Bennett Thompson not far behind them.
Naylor’s big-league production hasn’t matched the expectations around him. He carries a career .651 OPS and has had some defensive issues at times, though he does know how to handle a major league staff. With several clubs looking for catching help - including the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and division rival Chicago White Sox - this could be the time for Cleveland to get something back, even if the return is modest or the main benefit is clearing a roster spot.
Steven Kwan is another name that belongs in the conversation. He was one of the most talked-about trade targets at last year’s deadline, but the Guardians kept their then-All-Star outfielder. Since the end of last July, Kwan has struggled at the plate and was dropped to ninth in Cleveland’s struggling lineup, which would have made finding a trade partner tough just a few months ago.
That picture has changed. Kwan has picked things up over his last 30 games, hitting .344/.432/.438, and he still brings elite defense wherever he plays in the outfield. With only a year and a half of team control left, Cleveland could decide to move while his value is back up rather than risk watching it dip again.
Rhys Hoskins rounds out the list. The Guardians’ run with Hoskins hasn’t delivered the on-field impact they wanted, and the veteran is tracking toward a career-low .673 OPS while also struggling against left-handed pitching. Even so, right-handed bats are drawing attention this deadline, and Hoskins could appeal to a team looking for a cheaper fallback if it misses on bigger names like Taylor Ward or Lane Thomas.
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For a team trying to stay relevant deep into the summer, that kind of calm matters. Clemens has given the Twins a real offensive boost and helped them remain competitive, but the bigger question is whether the front office will have to step in and add support before the stretch run tightens further. The lineup can only absorb so much, and Minnesotas margin for error is getting thinner by the day. [Read more 🡒]