If you thought the Indians were done after acquiring closer Andrew Miller, you were wrong. The Cleveland Indians have now made an additional deal to bring in outfielder Brandon Guyer from the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa received prospects OF Nathan Lukes and RHP Jhonleider Salinas in return.
With Brandon Guyer, Help Has Arrived
Cleveland desperately wanted a bat, and with OF Michael Brantley injured, got some help in the outfield as well. Guyer, 30, was batting .241, with eighteen RBI and seven homers through sixty-three games with the Rays this season. While his overall batting statistics are not great, his performance against lefties should not be overlooked. Guyer has a career average of .283 and an .848 OPS when facing lefties.
All things considered, Guyer is playing very well. Despite many obstacles, like left hamstring issues and a league-leading twenty-three HBP, he continues to perform. This is exactly the kind of addition the Indians wanted to get before the deadline, and for the right price. It is very clear: the Indians are gunning for the World Series.
Go For Gold
Sitting on the best record in the AL, Cleveland has been willing to do anything to improve. Contrary to prior labels, the Indians are finally buyers. Let that sink in. Even though the deal for Jonathan Lucroy fell through, the moves that were finalized added great depth to this roster. Realistically, the only true voids existed in the bullpen; Andrew Miller has solved that. Adding one of the best relievers in the game is nothing to take lightly. Once that problem was solved, nothing was left but to find a hitting boost. The addition of Guyer has done this comfortably.
Guyer, under contract through 2018, is affordable and consistent. Manager Terry Francona felt that the front office “aced” this deal at the trade deadline. Although this group looks great, they must continue to perform. With two months to go, they must take on the challenge and push themselves to achieve the ultimate goal: a championship.
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