The Guardians don’t normally chase this profile of player, but this bold free-agent rumor hints at something different brewing.NL
The Cleveland Guardians have a decision to make this offseason – and recent history suggests it’s time for a change in approach.
Over the past few years, Cleveland has taken swings on aging veterans in hopes of squeezing out one last productive season. Think Carlos Santana, Eddie Rosario, Domingo Santana, Hanley Ramirez – names that once carried weight but didn’t deliver much in a Guardians uniform.
The contracts were cheap, sure, but the results? Not so much.
More often than not, those bets didn’t pay off.
This winter, the Guardians have a chance to break that cycle. No, they’re not expected to chase the big-ticket names – you won’t see Pete Alonso or Alex Bregman walking through that clubhouse door, and Kyle Schwarber was never a realistic option.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t make meaningful improvements. The key is being smart, targeted, and honest about who they are and what they need.
Zack Meisel recently highlighted a few names that could actually make a lot of sense for Cleveland. The idea?
Skip the over-the-hill stars and focus on players who fill specific, pressing needs. For example, a right-handed bat with a track record of punishing left-handed pitching – someone like Austin Hays or Rob Refsnyder – could be a savvy addition.
These aren’t headline-makers, but they’re the kind of players who can quietly make a real impact, especially for a team that needs offensive help without breaking the bank.
And let’s be clear: Cleveland does need help at the plate. Last season, the Guardians’ offense struggled mightily, finishing near the bottom of the league in several key categories.
And yet, despite all that, they still managed to win the division and make the playoffs. That’s not just a testament to the pitching staff and defense – it’s a sign that this team isn’t far off.
With a few smart additions, Cleveland could go from playoff participant to legitimate contender. But that’s going to require more than just hoping a veteran can recapture past glory. It’s about identifying undervalued talent that fits the roster and complements the young core already in place.
This isn’t the time to swing for the fences on a name alone. It’s about making contact – solid, strategic contact – with players who can do damage in the right spots. If the front office gets it right, the Guardians could find themselves right back in the October mix, but with a lineup that can actually hold its own.
