💥 BREAKING NEWS: Guardians GM Chris Antonetti is eyeing three bold moves before Opening Day, aiming to reshape Cleveland’s path to contention ⚡.NL
We’re a month into the MLB offseason, and while the stove hasn’t exactly caught fire yet, the Winter Meetings are right around the corner – and that’s when things tend to heat up. For the Cleveland Guardians, it’s been a quiet start, especially when it comes to the top-tier free agent buzz. But make no mistake: this front office has some serious work to do if they want to set the tone for 2026.
Cleveland may not be chasing the biggest names on the market, but there are three clear objectives they need to check off if they want to walk away from this offseason with a roster that’s ready to compete. Let’s break them down.
1. Reinforce the Bullpen With an Impact Arm
Let’s get this out of the way: you don’t just replace Emmanuel Clase. You adjust.
You adapt. And you build a bullpen that can still close the door late in games.
Cade Smith stepping into the closer role gives the Guardians a solid foundation, but depth is everything in today’s game. One or two more reliable arms could be the difference between holding onto a one-run lead in August or watching it slip away.
Robert Suarez might be the splashiest name on the market, but his price tag likely puts him out of Cleveland’s range. That’s fine – there’s value to be found elsewhere.
Free agency offers intriguing options like Pete Fairbanks, while the trade market could open doors to arms like JoJo Romero. The key is finding someone who can consistently get outs in high-leverage spots.
The Guardians’ bullpen was a bright spot last season. With one more proven piece, it could return to being one of the most feared units in the league.
2. Add a Veteran Presence to the Outfield
Yes, the Guardians need to give young talent like Chase DeLauter and George Valera more runway. Development matters, and both players have the tools to become everyday contributors. But relying solely on potential is risky – especially in an outfield that struggled mightily last season.
Cleveland’s outfield ranked near the bottom of the league in production. Nolan Jones, Angel MartĂnez, and Lane Thomas all had their opportunities, but the results weren’t pretty. Jones did secure a $2 million deal to avoid arbitration, but that doesn’t lock him into a starting role after a season where he hit just .211.
Steven Kwan remains a steady presence in left field – assuming he’s not moved in a trade – but center and right field are wide open. That’s where a player like Harrison Bader could step in and make a real difference. He brings pop at the plate (17 homers and 54 RBIs in 2025) and Gold Glove-caliber defense, a combination the Guardians sorely lacked last season.
Bringing in a proven outfielder doesn’t just raise the floor – it gives the young guys a chance to grow without being thrown into the deep end too soon.
3. Lock Up a Core Player With a Long-Term Extension
Cleveland has made a habit of locking in key players before they hit their peak – and it’s a strategy that’s quietly paid off. JosĂ© RamĂrez got his deal in 2022.
Trevor Stephan and Andrés Giménez followed in 2023. Last year, it was Tanner Bibee’s turn.
Now, it’s time for the next wave.
Steven Kwan might be too far along in his career trajectory to ink a team-friendly extension, but there are plenty of young players worth investing in. Cade Smith, Kyle Manzardo, and Parker Messick all stand out as candidates who could be part of the Guardians’ long-term core.
These kinds of deals do more than just provide cost certainty – they send a message. They tell the fanbase (and the clubhouse) that the organization is committed to building something sustainable. And in a market like Cleveland, that kind of stability is gold.
The Guardians have taken heat in the past for letting stars walk, but they deserve credit for the ones they’ve kept. Expect at least one more name to join that list before next season.
The Guardians don’t need to dominate the headlines this offseason to come out ahead. They just need to be smart, strategic, and proactive.
Add a bullpen arm. Shore up the outfield.
Lock in a young cornerstone.
Do those three things, and they’ll be in a much better position to compete in 2026 – and beyond.
