Tension erupted among fans when Bruce Drennan sharply challenged the Guardians’ offseason plans in a blistering on-air moment.NL
For as long as they’ve been around, the Cleveland Guardians have taken pride in zigging where others zag. While big-market clubs throw around nine-figure deals like candy, Cleveland has stayed true to its identity: small payroll, sharp scouting, and a front office that knows how to stretch a dollar into October baseball. It’s not flashy, but it’s worked – and there’s no sign that’s about to change.
In fact, if anything, the Guardians might be preparing to tighten the belt even more.
On a recent episode of his podcast, longtime Cleveland sports voice Bruce Drennan threw a cold bucket of reality on any fans dreaming of a splashy free-agent signing. Drennan didn’t mince words as he rattled off a list of marquee names – Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, Eugenio Suárez, Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber – only to shut the door on every single one.
“Don’t expect Cleveland to be bidding for any of those guys,” Drennan said plainly.
That sentiment, while disappointing for fans hoping to see a big bat or frontline arm added to the mix, isn’t exactly shocking. This has never been a franchise that throws its hat into the ring for the top of the market.
The Guardians have built their brand on being resourceful, not reckless. And when you look at their track record – postseason appearances, division titles, and a World Series run in recent memory – it’s hard to argue with the results.
Still, it’s fair to wonder what this winter might actually look like in Cleveland. With the free-agent market flush with talent and several teams looking to make a leap, the Guardians appear poised to do what they’ve done so often: shop smart, not big.
That likely means targeting mid-tier veterans who can fill a need without breaking the bank – players who bring stability, leadership, and maybe even a little upside on a short-term deal. Think one- or two-year contracts, low risk, modest reward. Cleveland could also explore the trade market, where they’ve historically found value by identifying underappreciated players who fit their system.
And of course, the Guardians will once again be banking on their young core to take the next step. That’s been the formula: draft and develop, then supplement with savvy moves around the margins. It’s not the kind of strategy that dominates headlines in November, but come September, it often puts them right in the playoff mix.
There’s no denying it’s a conservative approach in a sport where spending big can often buy you a seat at the contender’s table. But in Cleveland, the front office has consistently shown that you don’t need a massive payroll to stay competitive – just a clear vision, a smart scouting department, and a little bit of patience.
So, while the Guardians probably won’t be in the running for the biggest names this offseason, don’t mistake that for inactivity. They’ll be working the phones, scanning the waiver wire, and doing what they do best: finding value where others overlook it. It may not be the most thrilling path, but history says it’s one that can still lead to October.
