With the trade deadline looming, the Cleveland Guardians have several needs to round out the roster. Which players are the best fits?
Cleveland currently sits atop the AL Central with the best record in the American League, and the second-best record in all of baseball, at 61-40. Still, the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals are within reach of the division.
For the Guardians to hold their position atop the Central, reinforcements are likely needed via an outside addition. ESPN’s Jeff Passan predicts Cleveland will add, but not go all-in. The team could seek to address holes in the starting rotation and the outfield. Starting pitching has been the team’s biggest weakness due to injury, underperformance, and a lack of depth.
Potential Trade Fits for the Guardians
Biggest Needs
Former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber looked dominant in two starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery that ended his season. Beginning the season on the injured list, Gavin Williams has made only four starts this year with a 4.50 ERA.
Carlos Carrasco, Logan Allen, and Triston McKenzie have ERAs over 5.00. Allen and McKenzie have both been optioned to Triple-A in an attempt to correct their issues. Spencer Howard was designated for assignment after allowing five earned runs in five innings. Xzavion Curry has bounced between Triple-A and the majors as a spot starter and long-reliever with a 4.98 ERA in six games.
The only consistent starters have been Ben Lively and Tanner Bibee. Already at a career-high in innings, Lively has a 3.57 ERA while averaging more than five innings per start. Bibee struggled early before settling in, and he currently owns a 3.50 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 21 starts. Cleveland needs at least one starting pitcher, likely one with multiple years of control, but there are available rentals that would make sense as well.
Could the Guardians recent struggles cause them to sit on their hands at the MLB Trade Deadline?
“I don’t think the priority has changed… This rotation is the priority at the trade deadline.”
–@JLEWFifty ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/D7qhpgR1Bi
— BIGPLAY Cleveland Show (@BIGPLAYCLEshow) July 24, 2024
Starting Pitchers
Chris Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays
At age 35, Chris Bassitt has a 3.71 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 20 starts for the struggling Blue Jays. Toronto holds last place in the AL East and Bassitt has been mentioned in rumors around the Guardians. He is under team control through 2025 and is owed $22 million next season. While the money could be an issue, Bassitt would be worth the insurance to the Guardians rotation.
Erick Fedde, Chicago White Sox
The 31-year-old Erick Fedde is off to the best start of his career after signing a two-year deal with Chicago in the off-season. In 20 starts, Fedde has a 2.98 ERA and 104 strikeouts. Owed only $7.5 million next season, Fedde is an affordable option who could provide length and reliability in the middle of the Guardians rotation. The White Sox are guaranteed to sell at the deadline and the Guardians should try to trade for Fedde.
Frankie Montas, Cincinnati Reds
Frankie Montas, a 31-year-old rental with a 4.85 ERA in 18 starts, is not a frontline starter who could anchor Cleveland’s rotation, but he still has value. The Guardians desperately need reliable starting pitchers to eat innings and give them an opportunity to win. Montas could be a quality fourth or fifth starter to help push Cleveland across the finish line.
Yusei Kikuchi, Toronto Blue Jays
Another veteran rental option is the Blue Jays’ 33-year-old Yusei Kikuchi. Like Montas, Kikuchi is not a frontline starter, but he could provide valuable innings at the back of Cleveland’s rotation. While his 4.54 ERA is not ideal, Kikuchi is averaging over five innings a start, which would rank third among Guardians starters.
Jack Flaherty, Detroit Tigers
A rental who could anchor the rotation is 28-year-old Jack Flaherty. After struggling the past few seasons, Flaherty signed a one-year deal with the Tigers in an attempt to rebuild his value. In 18 starts he has a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts.
The Guardians could also use another bat in the lineup, ideally a right-handed outfielder with power.
Outfielders
Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics
Brent Rooker is currently slashing .290/.369/.574 with 23 home runs and could provide a much-needed power threat for the Guardians while also adding a right-handed bat to a lefty-heavy lineup. Rooker is primarily a DH but is capable of playing corner outfield. Oakland is rebuilding, and Rooker has drawn interest in trade talks.
Lane Thomas, Washington Nationals
Lane Thomas, 28, is another right-handed outfielder who could interest the Guardians. His numbers are down from last year, slashing .246/.314/.398 with eight home runs. However, he would still likely be an upgrade over Cleveland’s current outfield mix.
Cleveland should pursue upgrades to their rotation and outfield if the team hopes to continue its success into October. The Guardians have the prospects to get a trade done and should remain active in the trade market until the deadline.
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