Zac Meisel and Jim Bowden in The Athletic discuss the trade deadline scenario for the G's. I bolded a few parts.
With such a young major-league roster and a healthy farm system, the Guardians seem to have the trade ammunition to land pretty much whomever they want. And because they’re in position to contend this year in the lousy AL Central (even if they didn’t anticipate that would be the case until a few weeks ago) and plan to contend for the next several years, they’ll be buyers … to some degree.
Bowden: The Guardians have a legitimate shot at winning the AL Central this season. At the very least, they have a realistic chance of making the playoffs as a wild-card team. They’ve built a well-rounded team that can pitch, play defense, make contact at the plate and “move the chains” with smart base running. They are fundamentally sound. If they can add a middle-of-the-order impact bat and/or significant starting pitcher, they should do it.
As you mentioned, they have the farm system to land any player in the trade market, and this is the year to do that, even if it means parting with a significant prospect or a young, non-arbitration-eligible player on their major-league roster. Why now versus waiting? Because the division is much weaker than in most years. The Tigers and Royals will be much better in the future. The White Sox, in theory, will be healthier. This division is winnable, and with so many rebuilding teams around the league, there’s a relatively clear path to playoff baseball. So this is the year to make the move that might make you a tad uncomfortable, parting with a future piece for a today piece.
I also think middle-infield depth will be invaluable, particularly at this trade deadline, when so many of the “selling” teams need middle-infield help long term. Bottom line, here’s my answer: Don’t ever make a trade based on surplus; make a trade when it improves your organization the most, whether it’s during or after the season.
Like most teams, they could use short- and long-term help in the rotation and bullpen. This front office loves targeting players with ample control. So, how much more would a starting pitcher such as Miami’s Pablo López (2 1/2 years remaining) cost than a starter like Oakland’s Frankie Montas (1 1/2 years remaining)? Which type of player makes more sense for Cleveland?
Bowden: Both of them make sense, and let’s add Cincinnati’s Luis Castillo, who has 1 1/2 years of control remaining, to that list. Obviously, I like having the extra year of control with López, but you also must account for the fact that he’s had shoulder issues in the past and is, to some degree, more of a health risk than the other two. Another thing to keep in mind: If you acquire any of these starters, you’ve improved your chances of winning this season while still having the option to trade them in the offseason or at next year’s trade deadline to replenish the prospect pool.
The bullpen has fared better than many expected this season, but, like many teams, the Guardians could use another top-tier reliever to pair with closer Emmanuel Clase.
Who will be available who fits that description and could make sense for the Guardians?
Bowden: The trade market is expected to be loaded with available relievers. Some of the relief arms I love who could be available include David Bednar of the Pirates, Joe Barlow of the Rangers and Scott Barlow of the Royals. All three are young righties under team control for at least two more seasons. There are also less-costly veterans available, such as Daniel Bard of the Rockies or Mark Melancon of the Diamondbacks.
Meisel: Bednar is especially intriguing, given his 4 1/2 years of team control. And, you know, his 97 mph fastball and wipeout curveball....
Meisel: Are there any other players you would pursue if you ran the operation in Cleveland?
Bowden: First baseman/outfielder/DH Trey Mancini of the Orioles, outfielder Bryan Reynolds of the Pirates and first baseman/DH Josh Bell of the Nationals. I would target all three but land one, then figure out where everyone played after the trade. I like Reynolds the best for Cleveland because of his plus defensive ability.
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