Potential Trade Fits for the Guardians at the Deadline

With the trade deadline approaching, the Cleveland Guardians need to fill multiple roster gaps. Which players are the best fit?

Cleveland currently leads the AL Central with the best record in the American League and the second-best record in all of baseball (61-40). The Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals, however, remain in contention for the division title.

To maintain their grip atop the Central, the Guardians will most certainly require outside forces. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Cleveland will add players but not go all in. The team could look to fill voids in the starting rotation and outfield. Starting pitching has been the team’s most glaring weakness owing to injuries, underperformance, and a lack of depth.

Biggest Needs

Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner, was dominant in his first two starts before requiring Tommy John surgery, which terminated his season. Gavin Williams began the season on the disabled list and has only made four starts this year, with a 4.50 ERA.
Carlos Carrasco, Logan Allen, and Triston McKenzie have ERAs that exceed 5.00. Allen and McKenzie have both been optioned to Triple-A in an effort to address their difficulties. Spencer Howard was designated for assignment after surrendering five earned runs over 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 reliable starts have been Ben Lively and Tanner Bibee. Lively already has a career best in innings, with a 3.57 ERA and an average of more than five innings per start. Bibee struggled initially before settling in, and he now has a 3.50 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 21 starts. Cleveland requires at least one starting pitcher, preferably with many years of control, although there are available rentals that would also be appropriate.

Starting Pitchers

Chris Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays

Chris Bassitt, 35, has a 3.71 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 20 starts with the struggling Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto is in last position in the AL East, and Bassitt has been cited in speculations surrounding the Guardians. He is under team control until 2025 and is owed $22 million next season. While money may be a concern, Bassitt would provide valuable insurance to the Guardians rotation.

Erick Fedde, Chicago White Sox

Erick Fedde, 31, is off to the finest start of his career after signing a two-year contract with Chicago this offseason. Fedde has 20 starts, a 2.98 ERA, and 104 strikeouts. Fedde, who is owed only $7.5 million next season, is a cost-effective candidate who might give length and consistency in the center of the Guardians rotation. The White Sox are sure 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 top-tier starter capable of anchoring Cleveland’s rotation, but he still has value. The Guardians are looking for dependable starting pitchers to consume innings and give them a chance to win. Montas might be an effective fourth or fifth starter to help Cleveland reach the finish line.

Yusei Kikuchi, Toronto Blue Jays

Yusei Kikuchi, 33, of the Blue Jays, is another veteran rental option. Kikuchi, like Montas, is not a top-tier starter, but he may give significant innings toward the back of Cleveland’s rotation. While Kikuchi’s 4.54 ERA is not ideal, he averages more over five innings each start, ranking third among Guardians starters.

Jack Flaherty, Detroit Tigers

Jack Flaherty, a 28-year-old rental player, may anchor the rotation. After underperforming in recent seasons, Flaherty signed a one-year contract with the Tigers in an effort to regain his value. In 18 starts, he has a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts.

The Guardians could also use another bat in the lineup, perhaps a right-handed outfielder with power.

Outfielders

Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics

Brent Rooker is currently slashing.290/.369/.574 with 23 home runs, he may offer the Guardians with a much-needed power threat while also giving a right-handed bat to a lineup that is heavy on lefties. Rooker is primarily a DH but can play corner outfield. Oakland is rebuilding, and Rooker has sparked interest in trade negotiations.

Lane Thomas, Washington Nationals

Lane Thomas, 28, is another right-handed outfielder that could appeal to the Guardians. His stats have down from previous year, cutting.246/.314/.398 with 8 home runs. Nonetheless, he would most certainly be an improvement over Cleveland’s current outfield lineup.

If Cleveland wants to maintain its success into October, it should look to improve its rotation and outfield. The Guardians have the opportunity to complete a trade and should stay active in the trade market until the deadline.