Activity in Major League Baseball is gaining momentum following the conclusion of the Winter Meetings, with several notable trades and multi-team deals already taking place. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the Cleveland Guardians are actively seeking ways to enhance their roster, especially as they have made significant strides in rebuilding their bullpen but face challenges with their batting lineup.
The Guardians are in need of at least one additional bat to strengthen their offense. Fortunately, there are still viable options available in the free-agent market as well as potential trade opportunities that could benefit the team.
Several right-handed hitting free agents would be a good fit for Cleveland’s roster, including Austin Hays, Randal Grichuk, Harrison Bader, Starling Marte, and Rob Refsnyder. Each of these players has exhibited success against left-handed pitching, a category where the Guardians struggled last season, finishing among the worst teams in that regard. Currently, Cleveland only has four reliable right-handed hitters on their 40-man roster. The addition of any of these free agents could significantly improve their offensive capabilities.
The Guardians have the flexibility to either pursue a player to serve as a platoon bat, such as Marte, Refsnyder, or Grichuk, or go after everyday contributors like Hays or Bader, who can fit into the lineup more consistently.
In addition to free agency, the Guardians may look to the trade market for more impactful additions. Historically, the team has made significant acquisitions through trades, and there are several compelling candidates this winter. Reports indicate that the Guardians have shown interest in Brendan Donovan, a versatile player with the St. Louis Cardinals. Furthermore, the possibility of reacquiring Yandy Diaz could inject power into the Guardians’ lineup from the right side. The Boston Red Sox also present opportunities, with their surplus of outfielders allowing for potential trades for players like Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu.
With a proactive approach and various avenues to explore, the Guardians are well-positioned to make moves that will enhance their competitiveness heading into the 2024 season.