Great; I hope Sean knows his stuff.

DALLAS — The Rule 5 Draft always comes at the end of the winter meetings, but it is hardly an afterthought to the people who prepare and execute it.

“There’s a lot of preparation, a lot of unknowns and anxieties,” said Stephen Osterer, new Guardians director of player development. “It’s not super straight forward in projecting who you could or could not lose.

“On our own guys, there’s a lot of anxiety around this day.”
Teams with solid farm systems usually take a beating at the Rule 5 Draft. The Guardians are one of those teams, and they took their lumps Wednesday.

They lost infielder Christian Cairo to Atlanta in the major league phase of the draft. It cost the Braves $100,000 to select Cairo and they must keep him on their 26-man roster for the 2025 season. If they can’t, they have to return him to Cleveland along with $50,000. Cairo, a fourth-round pick in 2019, hit .241 (82 for 341) with four homers and three RBI at Class AAA Columbus.

“It’s sad to see someone go like Christian who has been part of our organization since 2019,” said Osterer. “We’ve seen a tremendous growth in him as a person and a player. “That part is not a lot of fun, but at the same time I’m excited for him as a person to get this opportunity.”
The Rule 5 Draft was implemented to give players a shot for advancement who may be blocked in their current organization. For Cairo, this is a chance to play in the big leagues.

In the minor league phase of the draft, the Guardians lost outfielder Luis Durango to the Yankees, while the Pirates selected left-handers Randy Labaut and Steve Hajjar. Durango hit .250 (33 for 132) with 14 RBI at Class A Lynchburg. The native of Panama signed with Cleveland as a non-drafted free agent in 2019. He has a career 87 steals in Cleveland’s minor league system. In 4 seasons he never reached even High A.

Labaut, a 35th round pick of the Guardians in 2019, went 3-6 with a 4.57 ERA in 36 games at Class AA Akron. He made seven starts and pitched 61 innings. [Not the stats that baseball reference or milb have; first of all those 36 games were with Columbus, and he made 3 starts, not 7 He's age 27]

Hajjar, a second-round pick by the Twins in 2021, went 2-1 with a 2.26 ERA in 30 appearances for Class A Lake County. [[b]Nope: the ERA was 7.26] He was half of a package we got for Will Benson. The other guy, OF Jason Boyd, was released last season, another highly unsuccessful second round draft pick.[/b]

The Guardians did select infielder Will Wilson, the Angels' No. 1 pick in 2019, from the Giants' Class AA roster. Wilson, who has been in the Giants' minor league system since 2021, hit .216 (87 for 402) with five homers and 45 RBI last season at Class AA and Class AAA. The 25-year-old right-handed hitter can play shortstop, second and third. “He brings a lot of the things we like such as defensive versatility at that level,” said Osterer. “He has some underlying traits with the bat that we like. He’s also a really good teammate.” Which makes a more successful No. 1 pick than Cleveland's Carson Tucker from the 2020 draft who managed to play 73 games over 3 astoundingly unsuccessful seasons.
Wilson's offense has been a steady decline; in 2022 OPS 798; in 2023 686; in 2024 595. How low can it go?

The cost drafting a player in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft can range from $12,000 to $24,000, if the player is a Triple-A selection. Those players do not have to be returned to their former team.

Wilson, who has been in the Giants' minor league system since 2021, hit .216 (87 for 402) with five homers and 45 RBI last season at Class AA and Class AAA. The 25-year-old right-handed hitter can play shortstop, second and third.

“He brings a lot of the things we like such as defensive versatility at that level,” said Osterer. “He has some underlying traits with the bat that we like. He’s also a really good teammate.”

The cost drafting a player in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft can range from $12,000 to $24,000, if the player is a Triple-A selection. Those players do not have to be returned to their former team.

Could Guardians be a ‘soft landing’ for Roki Sasaki? The week in baseball

Updated: Dec. 14, 2024, 12:15 p.m.|Published: Dec. 14, 2024, 5:04 a.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Agent Joel Wolfe, who represents Roki Sasaki, said some things at the winter meetings that were both encouraging and discouraging to small and mid-market teams that maybe interested in signing the Japanese right-hander. The Guardians, based on their market size, are one of those teams.

The Chiba Lotte Marines posted Sasaki on Monday, which means teams have until Jan. 23 to bid on Sasaski, whose fastball has been clocked at over 100 mph. Wolfe said he hopes to start negotiating with teams in the next few days.

The prevailing thought is Sasaki will join his teammates from Team Japan who are scattered among MLB’s big-market teams such as the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs and Mets. That may very well happen. If it does, money will not be the reason.

Sasaki, 23, is still considered an amateur among international free agents. It means the 12-year, $325 million contract that free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto received from the Dodgers last year will not come Sasaki’s way.

He must be paid out of a team’s international bonus pool for 2025. The bonus pools for the 30 big league teams range from $7.5 million to $5.1 million. The Guardians are grouped with several teams with a bonus pool of $7 million, which ranks as the second highest pool available.

It means that any team that wants to bid on Sasaki, can afford to do so.

When asked if Sasaki would consider small to mid-market teams, Wolfe said, “Absolutely. I think there’s an argument to be made that a small to mid-market team may be more beneficial to him as a soft landing coming from Japan given what he’s been through.

“It might be beneficial to him to be in a smaller market. But I don’t know how he really looks at it. I haven’t had a chance to sit down and discuss it with him in great deal.”

Sasaki, according to Wolfe, has been dealing with negative media reports because of his decision to leave Japan for the big leagues at such a young age.

“That’s considered in Japan to be very disrespectful and swimming upstream,” said Wolfe. “A lot of people have jumped on board, creating false rumors about him and his family. It’s been very detrimental to his mental state.”

Wolfe made it clear he was talking about the media in Japan, not the Japanese reporters who cover MLB in the United States.

Does the fact that Sasaki may shy away from the bright lights on the West and East Coast, and find happiness in middle America, mean good things for the Guardians?

“I guess that would be a good thing for a small-market team,” said Chris Antonetti, Guardians president of baseball operations. “Last time I checked Cleveland is a small market team. We’re in the middle of the country, but we are not a middle-market team.

“We are a small market team.”

Antonetti is limited by MLB rules in what he can say about Sasaki and the Guardians' interest. But they could certainly use his help in the rotation, even though they acquired right-hander Luis Ortiz from Pittsburgh on Wednesday and officially announced the return of Shane Bieber on Thursday. Sasaki went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games for Chiba Lotte last season. He struck out 129 and walked 32 in 111 innings.

“The best way maybe for me to answer that question is any opportunity we have to bring in talented players into the organization, we will pursue,” said Antonetti.

As for the discouraging news Wolfe delivered to small and mid-market teams pursuing Sasaki, he was asked what is important to his client when it comes to making this decision.

“The best I can say is he has paid attention to how teams have done as far as overall success both this year and in the past,” said Wolfe. “He does watch a lot of Major League Baseball.

“He has paid attention to what his WBC (World Baseball Classic) teammates have done. He’s talked to a lot of foreign players who have played for Chiba Lotte. He asks a lot of questions about the weather, comfortability, pitching development.

“He just watches what other Japanese players are doing in the major leagues and how they’re doing it.”

The Guardians don’t have a rich tradition of Japanese players playing in Cleveland, but they do have a good reputation for winning and developing pitching. Sasaki was bothered by a sore right shoulder the last couple of years, but Wolfe said it wasn’t serious.

“There were some accusations, allegations, all of them false, about pre-determined deals with Roki,” said Wolfe. “However, MLB, rightly, wanted to make sure that this was going to be a fair and level playing field for everyone.”

Sasaki could have signed under the 2024 bonus pool period, but teams have already spent most of that money. By posting when he did, Sasaki gave himself and the Marines a chance to get the best deal because teams have yet to spend their 2025 bonus pools.

Any team that signs Sasaki will have to pay a posting price to Chiba Lotte. The posting price for Sasaki would be 20% of his new contract.

In four seasons with the Marines, Sasaki went 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA in 64 games. He struck out 505 and walked 88 in 394 2/3 innings. In 2023, pitching for Japan in the WBC, his fastball averaged 100.5 mph in a start against Mexico.

In 2011, Sasaki lost his father and grandparents in a tsunami that destroyed his home.

“He doesn’t talk about it much,” said Wolfe. “He’s moved on with his life. He uses baseball, I think, to somewhat cope with it. He’s had a somewhat successful career to this point and he’s using this as a stepping stone to the next chapter.”

Names to remember:

Owen Dew, who spent eight years as a pitching coach in Cleveland’s minor league system, has joined Arizona’s staff as an assistant pitching coach.

Lefty Lenny Torres Jr., one of three No. 1 picks by Cleveland in the 2018 draft, signed with the Reds as a free agent. He was assigned to Class AAA Louisville.

Lefty Drew Pomeranz, Cleveland’s No. 1 pick in 2010, has signed a minor league deal with Seattle. He has not pitched in the big leagues since 2021 because of injuries.

LHP Michael Kennedy, acquired from Pittsburgh, has been assigned to Class A Lake County.

OF Nick Mitchell, acquired from Toronto, has been assigned Class A Lake County.

LHP Josh Hartle, acquired from Pittsburgh, has been assigned to Class A Lake County.

OF Conner Capel, Cleveland’s fifth-round pick in 2016, has signed a minor league deal with Atlanta and been assigned to Class AAA Gwinnett.

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Guardians provide a glimpse at who could take over for Andrés Giménez at second base

Updated: Dec. 13, 2024, 3:29 p.m.|Published: Dec. 13, 2024, 2:22 p.m.

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti offered a glimpse Friday at players currently on the major league roster, and a few still in the farm system, who could get the first chance to take the place of departed Gold Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez.

Cleveland dealt Giménez and reliever Nick Sandlin to Toronto on Tuesday in a series of moves that eventually landed the club starting right-hander Luis Ortiz as well as a pair of minor league lefties and an outfield prospect.

But Antonetti said the club feels trading Gimenez made sense on multiple fronts:

The moves bolstered an area of need in the starting rotation.

The franchise’s strength is in the depth of its position player talent right now, specifically in the middle infield.

“We think we’ll have opportunities for guys that were both at the major league level last year that can play second base,” Antonetti said. “But we also feel that there are guys in our farm system might have an opportunity to impact us there.”

When asked specifically about candidates, Antonetti offered Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman and Daniel Schneemann, who all saw time at the major league level in 2024. He also included Juan Brito, who is on the 40-man roster, but has yet to make his major league debut.

Brito hit .256 and showed surprising pop with 21 home runs and 40 doubles in 551 at-bats for Triple-A Columbus last year.

“He makes really good swing decisions, controls the strike zone well, puts the ball in play and has some developing power,” Antonetti said. “We think he’s got a chance to be a productive offensive player.”

Brito probably feels most comfortable at second base, according to Antonetti, but has added defensive versatility over the last year or two, according to Antonetti and could be an option at other positions as well.

“We’re excited to give him an opportunity coming into spring training and see if he can make the most of it,” Antonetti said.

Cleveland’s No. 1 overall draft pick, Travis Bazzana, could also be a factor at second “at some point down the road,” Antonetti said. But right now, Cleveland’s focus with Bazzana is on making sure he has a really good winter and comes to spring training next year positioned to have success in 2025.

“We think he’s got an exciting future and can impact us at some point, but exactly when that’ll be, it’s hard to say,” Antonetti said.

Bazzana helped Lake County to a Midwest League championship in September and wrapped up his year by playing for Team Australia in the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 tournament, where he hit .263 with a run on five hits in 19 at-bats.

But Bazzana has just over 100 at-bats to his credit in the minor leagues thus far, so it looks like Arias, Freeman and Schneemann will get the first opportunities to win the second base job.

Arias, 24, hit .222 in 153 at-bats over the first three months of the season for Cleveland. He lost the competition to be the club’s starting shortstop to Brayan Rocchio in spring training, and never really caught his stride while playing all over the infield with a few spot starts in the outfield.






Arias was optioned to Triple-A Columbus in July where he hit .317 with a .905 OPS over 167 at-bats in his last 45 games. He had a strong winter ball season for his team in Venezuela, where he posted a 1.078 OPS with six home runs and 18 RBI in 19 games.

Freeman, 25, hit .209 in 330 at-bats for the Guardians, making the club out of spring training as the starting center fielder. His OPS+ was 21% below league average and he spent part of September with Columbus. Originally a shortstop, Freeman has played second and third base as well.

Schneemann, 27, earned a promotion in June after batting .294 with 10 home runs, 39 RBI and a .904 OPS in 180 at-bats. Schneemann played shortstop and in the outfield with the Guardians, batting .218 with five home runs and 22 RBI. His productivity dropped off in his final 36 games, posting a .589 OPS in his final 101 regular season plate appearances.

[ WoW ! That's it ?? Scary thought ! Savor those highlight film gems folks ! I don't think we'll be seeing plays like that again in a loooong time. I miss Gimenez already. What I'll be missing most is watching Rocchio & Gimenez putting on that magic show now that Rocchio has settled in. Rocchio looked great in post season. Too bad he had the huge error and put a blemish on his post season performance. Did I say that I'm missing Gimenez already ? ]

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Guardians Star Reacts Negatively To Andrés Giménez Trade


December 14, 2024

By Andres Chavez

Andrés Giménez was a very popular guy in the Cleveland Guardians clubhouse.

From Steven Kwan to Brayan Rocchio, many of his former teammates showed sadness and disappointment in social media when they heard the now former Guardians second baseman was getting traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Third baseman and team star Jose Ramirez, however, didn’t hide his frustration while reacting the news.

Commenting on an MLB Network Instagram post detailing the deal, Ramirez posted multiple hand-in-face emojis, as if he was saying “what are we doing?”.

Here is proof:

Jose Ramirez reacts to the Andres Gimenez trade





If they develop as expected, both Angel Martinez and Juan Brito carry more offensive floor and upside than Giménez.

There is also the chance the Guardians bring in more competition, or a more established piece.

We understand Ramirez’s disappointment to see his teammate and friend go, but all things considered, Cleveland might be better off as currently constructed.


Ramirez shared the same infield with Giménez for multiple seasons.

He witnessed Giménez’s offensive growth in 2022 and then his two-year slide.

Above all things, however, he watched how Giménez became arguably the best defender at second base in the entire league.

It surely hurts to see his teammate go, but that’s the nature of business.

While he has accumulated impressive speed and defense numbers – he has won three straight Gold Glove awards and a Platinum Glove in 2022 – Giménez’ bat is replaceable, and the team badly needed young, controllable and talented starting pitchers like Luis L. Ortiz.

Ortiz posted a 3.32 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates this year and has more untapped potential now that he has joined the Guardians organization.

[ Nothing like pissing off the best player on the team ]

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Guardians Prospect Preparing For Key Spring Training Battle


December 14, 2024

By Andres Chavez

With the Cleveland Guardians deciding to trade their longtime second baseman Andrés Giménez, a new era stars for them.

They enjoyed fantastic offensive and defensive production from Giménez in 2022, but in the last two seasons, only the glove stuck as the offense tanked.

He posted below-average 96 and 83 wRC+ finishes in the last two campaigns, which is a big reason why president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti decided to trade him.

In the end, Antonetti brought pitching back and that was a huge organizational need.

Now, however, the Guardians will need to replace Giménez at second.

As of now, Juan Brito looks like the favorite for that role.

He is training hard at the team’s complex in Arizona, trying to get a leg up in the competition.

“Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old switch-hitting (2B) prospect Juan Brito putting in more work today out at the organizations Goodyear Development Complex. Brito set career highs in the following categories with Triple-A Columbus in 2024: 2B) 40, HR) 21, XBH) 61, Hits) 141, Runs) 92, RBI) 84, BB) 88,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.

A top prospect in the organization, Brito has a lot going on with a future starting role in mind.

He is a switch hitter, he has enough power to send 21 balls over the fence in Triple-A, he has quick wrists and gap power as his 40 doubles suggest, and he can also get a wall when needed, which means that his plate discipline isn’t a liability.

Brito is also very young, so he has time on his side.

He will be competing with Angel Martinez, Daniel Schneemann, and probably a non-roster invitee or two.

He is part of the future in Cleveland and is am exciting part of their core.

[ I prefer a player with more major league experience but the damage has already been done. What the hell! Give Brito the job and let Rocchio and Brito grow into the job. Rocchio had little to no experience in the major leagues. What I'd like to see now is both Rocchio and Brito get some playing time together in winter ball. Nothing like on the field experience. ]

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Analyst Praises Guardians Starter’s ‘Electric Stuff’


December 13, 2024

By Andres Chavez

Luis L. Ortiz might be one of the most underrated off-season acquisitions not only of the Cleveland Guardians, but also among all teams.

The Guards flipped second baseman Andrés Giménez to the Toronto Blue Jays and got infielder Spencer Horwitz in return.

Then, a few hours later, they sent Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Ortiz and two pitching prospects.

The Pirates aren’t exactly known for their excellence in pitching development.

Nevertheless, Ortiz was able to post a rock-solid 3.32 ERA in 135.2 innings in 2024.

Imagine his potential now that he has entered one of the best places for young pitchers.

Former MLB hitter and current analyst Sean Casey loves the acquisition for Cleveland.

“This guy’s got electric stuff…this guy is an absolute young stud.” @TheMayorsOffice discusses why Luis Oritz is going to be a huge addition for Cleveland’s starting rotation” MLB Network wrote on X.

Casey explains to the world some of Ortiz’s traits after watching him more than a few times in 2024.

“99 mph fastball, four pitch mix, only going to get better, 25 years old,” Casey said with evident enthusiasm.

The Guardians are capable of improving Ortiz’s fastball utility while sharpening his slider, among other things.

The right-hander is expected to slot in the middle of Cleveland’s rotation behind Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams, at least until Shane Bieber returns.

As things stand, bringing in Ortiz was the right call for Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti.

Now, the ball is in the coaches and player development guys’ court.

His frame, velocity and stuff make one think that he has ace potential.

Ortiz vs Guards

https://www.mlb.com/pirates/video/luis- ... ut-innings

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Ortiz Highlights

https://youtu.be/MV8IvSB6KxM

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Departing Infielder Sends Heartfelt Farewell Message To Guardians Fans


December 13, 2024

By Andres Chavez

The Cleveland Guardians sent, a couple of days ago, second baseman Andrés Giménez and reliever Nick Sandlin to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for infielder Spencer Horwitz and outfield prospect Nick Mitchell

Then, a few hours later, the Guards flipped Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates for starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz and young left-handers Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy.

Giménez was a big part of the so-called “Guardians Ball”: he won a starting gig at second base after coming over from New York in the Francisco Lindor trade in 2021.

He broke out in 2022 with a 141 wRC+, but slipped to 96 in 2023 and 83 this past season.

The Guardians had extended him before the 2023 campaign, but after two down seasons offensively, they found a taker for the $97.5 million he is still owed over the next few years and pulled the trigger.

Classic and respectful as he always is, Giménez wrote a heartfelt goodbye to Cleveland and its fans on his Instagram account.

“Cleveland, it has been a privilege to be a part of this amazing organization and fanbase, and I’m incredibly grateful for my time here. This team has given me so many unforgettable memories and has been a truly special chapter in my life,” he said about the city and the team.

“To the fans, your passion, support, and energy fueled me every step of the way. Cleveland will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for making this journey so meaningful.”

Giménez has some sneaky power and 30-steals speed.

The problem is that hitting for average and, particularly, getting on base is challenging for him.

His defense is not only elite: he is very likely the best second baseman in MLB with a glove on his hand.

He won three straight Gold Gloves and the Platinum Glove in 2022, not to mention the Fielding Bible award.

The team has some promising offensive performers who can take over at the keystone, though, and decided to create more salary room by trading him.

It’s the cruel business of baseball.

[ Best wishes Andres. I'm sure you will thrill the fans up there in Toronto as much as you've thrilled me and the city of Cleveland. I'm gonna miss y'a. ]

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Shane Bieber Explains Why He Returned To Cleveland


December 12, 2024

By Andres Chavez

The Cleveland Guardians re-signed star right-hander Shane Bieber, one of their main off-season objectives.

Bieber has been their ace since the late 2010s and has returned excellent performance on a yearly basis, even winning the AL Cy Young award in 2020.

A series of circumstances occurred that made his return to Cleveland possible, even in a short-term deal.

He was pursued by other squads, offered more money, but his loyalty was in Cleveland.

The relationships he built over the years within the Guardians organization were too important for him to pass up, so he decided to come back, rehab, and then give the organization a solid four or five months before decision time comes again.

“Bieber said his relationships with everyone in Cleveland were a major factor in his decision to return. He said being out last year brought him perspective, allowed him to see things “through a different lens,” team insider Tom Withers posted on X.

Bieber has been out since April as he underwent Tommy John surgery.

He got to witness how far this team can go, and how him being healthy and ready to go in October considerably elevates the Guardians’ ceiling.

The Guardians need an ace, and he can return that kind of performance in June or July barring any setbacks.

If Bieber bounces back nicely and pitches like a frontline starter, he may decline his $16 million option for 2026, receive his $4 million buyout, and re-enter the market.

If not, he can always return for 2026 under those terms.

In any case, we haven’t seen the last of Bieber with the Guardians and that in itself is reason to celebrate.

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Cleveland Guardians Analysis & Editorials

What Should the Guardians Do Next?

After the Gimenez-Ortiz trade, what might be on the agenda?

By Quincy Wheeler Dec 14, 2024, 9:00am EST 58 Comments / 58 New

With the Guardians having addressed their biggest offseason need for another starting pitcher, what should they do next?

1. Find a veteran starting pitcher to increase rotation depth and production.

Analysis:

Right now, the Guardians rotation seems set to be Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Luis Ortiz, Ben Lively and Triston McKenzie, with Joey Cantillo and Doug Nikhazy next up in Columbus while they await a hopeful Bieber return in June or July. I feel much better about this plan with Ortiz's potential to excel in Cleveland’s system but there is certainly room to add a veteran starting pitcher to raise the floor of the rotation and guard against inevitable injuries.

There are still many, many options in this category in free agency. On my list are Jeff Hoffman (probably only good for 100 innings but with an FIP likely slightly under 4), Kyle Gibson (projected for 166 innings and a 4.30 FIP), Jose Quintana (projected for 166 innings and a 4.41.FIP), Kyle Hart (139 innings and put up a 3.28 FIP in the KBO last year), Griffin Canning (125 innings and a 4.62 FIP), Alex Wood (111 innings and a 4.64 FIP), and Mike Soroka (116 innings and a 4.52 FIP). Of course, I’m also all on board for them entering the Michael Lorenzen, Walker Buehler, Andrew Heaney or Trevor Williams side of the market, or even better the Nick Pivetta sweepstakes (or the Dylan Cease or Jesus Luzardo [ I would love to have Luzardo in Cleveland. If that happens, I'll forget all about Gimenez - Ortiz and Luzardo back to back uhm uhm ] trade talks), but I think it’s far more likely they try to land someone on a cheap, one-year deal or even on a non-roster invite set-up.

I do think it is absolutely imperative to get at least one more veteran arm capable of giving them innings and insurance against a rash of Spring Training pitching injuries. My preference would be to land Buehler or Pivetta, but Gibson or Quintana would be a fine consolation prize and have me feeling much more confident in the rotation’s ability to hold up for the season. I don’t expect the latter kind of deal to happen until late January or even early February.

Game-changing scenario here would be it the Guardians can somehow convince Roki Sasaki to sign here. There is no way to know how possible that is, but if it happens, this offseason grade goes to an A+++++++ and would even make me forgive them for the incredibly stupid Guards Fest decision.

If the Guardians do add a major league rotation option, I think it opens up the chance for Lively or McKenzie, who don’t have minor-league options, to be traded in a small deal. I think they’d have plenty of suitors willing to offer a mildly interesting prospect or two in return. If not, one of the two gets the #5 starter spot and the other is the longman out of the pen, moving Pedro Avila into a little higher leverage spots. Basically, the reason starting pitching is #1 on my list because when you think you have enough pitching, that’s the time to get more pitching.

2. Find an upgrade for right field.

Analysis:

I have hopes that the team will promote Chase DeLauter to fill this role by late April or early May if they cannot find an external addition. I like the idea of giving Jhonkensy Noel continued chances to succeed here, especially against left-handed pitching. I also can see Angel Martinez in center and Lane Thomas in right as a reasonable solution with a July trade deadline upgrade fallback plan as a reasonable approach should the injury bug bite DeLauter again. However, I am over the Will Brennan experience and would be glad to find some proven value in a right-fielder.

There aren’t a lot of clear upgrades in free agency here. Maybe you like the idea of a one-year deal for Jesse Winker, Max Kepler or, more expensive, Joc Pederson (who seems to be a DH-only now). Maybe you think the Guardians can get in play for Jurickson Profar (the only clear upgrade out there, in my opinion). I just don’t see the Guardians signing the 31 year-old Profar to the 3-year deal he will likely command.

The possibilities in the trade market aren’t especially clear. Maybe Taylor Ward from the Angels gets moved. Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs reportedly doesn’t want to DH, so maybe he’d waive his no trade clause to come here and maybe Cleveland would pick up the $38M he is owed from 2025-2026. He certainly would fit well in the 2-hole with the 138 wRC+ he put up last year. And perhaps the Guardians still have hopes for DeLauter to stick in center field... or maybe injuries push DeLauter to 1B/DH.

In the end, I think it is most likely the Guardians go with internal options, beginning with Will Brennan and Jhonkensy Noel and ending with DeLauter and Noel in May, and I am fine with that... as long as they are aggressive in promoting DeLauter (or George Valera if he ever gets healthy). Just seems clear that finding a proven right-fielder capable of providing 120 wRC+ or so from the position would go a long way toward lengthening the lineup... as we’ve said every offseason since Michael Brantley left.

3. Find a short-term upgrade for second-base to bridge to Travis Bazzana.

Analysis:

For whatever it is worth, the narrative the Guardians are pushing to explain the Gimenez trade is that their system strength is middle-infielders.

So, that would seem to imply that they plan to sort through a variety of internal options at second base.

With that said, while I am as big of a fan of Juan Brito’s bat as anyone, and accordingly I also like Angel Martinez’s bat as a Brito-lite profile, I’m not sure either player is a second-baseman (Antonetti notably didn't mention Martinez as an option at second base in yesterday's presser). Brito is projected for a 97 wRC+ and Martinez for a 94 wRC+, but it’s the defensive downgrade each would be to Gimenez that has me concerned. I suspect Tyler Freeman, the best and most consistent defender at second base of the bunch, would currently get first shot with Brito scheduled for a May debut if Freeman struggles, and I’m sure Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann will get looks in spring training, also (I am not a believer in either as a starting second baseman).

I would love for the Guardians to target a trade with the Chicago Cubs for Nico Hoerner. In 2,869 innings at second base, Hoerner has 26 Defensive Runs Saved and 37 Outs Above Average. For comparison, Gimenez has 3,973 innings at second base and 58 DRS and 50 OAA. As you can see, the drop-off defensively would not be severe and Hoerner is a career 102 wRC+ hitter, likely a slight upgrade from Gimenez. Hoerner is due $11.5 million in 2025 and $12 million in 2026. The Cubs are looking to move money around to use for other moves, have Matt Shaw as a top 100 prospect ready to play second base, and could use significant help in the bullpen. If the Guardians take on Hoerner’s deal, I think a deal built around Hunter Gaddis, Andrew Walters or Franco Aleman (whichever elite arm the Cubs prefer) and perhaps a young bat they like (maybe even Freeman or Martinez) would get the deal done.

Of course, I’d also be very interested in Brandon Lowe should the Rays be looking to move the second baseman’s $10.5M contract for this year and $11.5M club option for 2024. Lowe is an average defender at best and not likely to give you more than 100 games, but it’ll be with a 120 wRC+ and would allow you to get Brito or Martinez some at-bats there, especially against LHP. Of course, I think it likely would take Brito and a decent pitching prospect to get him. Lowe has also had some experience in right field, so perhaps it’s possible for him to help there as well.

In free agency, right-handed hitter Brandon Drury and switch-hitter Jorge Polanco are interesting bounceback candidates as hitters projected to be around league average at the plate with upside for more. Drury is an average defender at second base at best who has dealt with a lot of injuries, and Polanco, by OAA, has been almost unplayable at second. Either would be of interest to me as a non-roster invitee to Spring Training but I wouldn’t want to guarantee money to either.

I would love to see the Guardians find a way to land Hoerner. They likely gain around 1 win in projections over their current options with either Hoerner or Lowe and get a player in either case who will not block Travis Bazzana. Hoerner is also more than capable of playing shortstop should Brayan Rocchio falter there (an important safeguard in my mind). But, as noted above, I expect the Guardians to look internally and I would pencil Tyler Freeman in as your starting second baseman for Opening Day as things stand currently.

4. Do not trade Josh Naylor or Lane Thomas.

Analysis:

It just doesn't make sense to me for the Guardians to trade a player who can play in center field or a player who can hit in the middle of this lineup. It would immediately cause another hole they would have to fill. Ride it out with Thomas and Naylz for 2025.

5. Pursue a sensible extension with Steven Kwan, Tanner Bibee, Bo Naylor, Kyle Manzardo or Cade Smith if one presents itself.

Analysis:

I am not desperate for any extension this offseason. If Kwan wants the team to buy out his arbitration years and tack on a year or two with a "I have a bad hamstring" discount, sure. Buying out Smith's arbitration years and getting another year or two would be cool. Mostly, I'd like them to be aggressive with guys like Bo Naylor, Kyle Manzardo and Chase DeLauter, buying out their arb years and getting a couple of their free agency years. This approach, specifically for Manzardo and DeLauter, would be a philosophical change for the Cleveland front office, but I think it's a better risk than extending players into their mid-30's if the budget here is going to continue to be so tight.

Summary:

The Guardians are in a decent spot to enter the year with the roster as is and look to make needed upgrades at the trade deadline. However, there are reasonable upgrades that could be made now and I have some reasonable optimism that something might happen. A Walker Buehler signing would make this a vood offseason from my view, and he and Pivetta top my Guardians’ Christmas wishlist... but I don’t expect that kind of "bare minimum for an ALCS finalist" outcome at the moment. Kepler on a cheap one year deal and Canning and/or Wood on NRI’s is more the Guardian way. I’m also cautiously ok with things as they are as long as the team plans to be aggressive in prospect promotions and trades in July as needed. Stay tuned!

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Cleveland Guardians are Playing a Dangerous Game

Originally posted on Cleveland Guardians on SI

By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 4:58 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians were one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2024 MLB campaign, capturing the AL Central division title and making it all the way to the ALCS.

Still, in spite of the Guardians' magical run, it was patently obvious that issues were prevalent.

Cleveland had one of the worst starting rotations in baseball during the season, and its offense was inconsistent, to say the least.

As a result, many were hoping that the Guardians would work feverishly to patch up their holes this winter in order to firmly establish themselves as World Series challengers.

Instead, Cleveland has largely been asleep at the wheel.

Yes, the Guardians re-signed Shane Bieber, who started just two games last season before succumbing to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. But Bieber has a checkered health history in general, so there is no guarantee he will be the same (or on the mound).

Cleveland's other move was basically a two-for-one special, as it traded second baseman Andres Gimenez to the Toronto Blue Jays and then flipped part of the return to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal that secured the Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz.

There is no doubt that Ortiz was a good pickup, as he logged a 3.32 ERA across 37 appearances and 15 starts with the Pirates in 2024. However, his inability to strike batters out is concerning, as is the fact that he posted a 4.25 FIP.

Now, if Ortiz were one of several additions, then Cleveland would be sitting pretty. But he hasn't been. The Guardians have done nothing else to date, and the Gimenez trade has largely been viewed as a salary dump of a former All-Star.

Not only that, but Cleveland is still apparently considering jettisoning first baseman Josh Naylor and outfielder Lane Thomas in spite of the fact that it needs offense.

So, exactly what are the Guardians doing?

I fully understand Cleveland's history. It isn't a free-spending franchise, and it ranked 23rd in baseball in payroll this past year. The Guardians rely more on elite-level scouting and shrewd trades rather than an inflated wallet.

But at some point, Cleveland needs to begin supplementing its savvy drafting and astute trading by actually blowing some cash.

The Guardians will likely be relying on Juan Brito to man second base after the departure of Gimenez, which is fine. After all, Gimenez logged a .638 OPS this past season. He isn't a big bopper, and his breakout 2022 campaign is beginning to look like a fluke.

But what about adding some more pop to the lineup? It can't just be Jose Ramirez and Naylor providing the power (and that's if Cleveland even keeps Naylor). David Fry fell off a cliff in the second half of 2024, and the Guardians may be putting too much stock in the youthful triumvirate of Jhonkensy Noel, Kyle Manzardo and Angel Martinez.

Cleveland fans are beginning to get frustrated, and understandably so. The Guardians were three wins away from a World Series in October, but you would never know it by they way they have approached things this offseason.
They still need another pitcher, and there is no question that they require a bat or two. And with the New York Yankees losing Juan Soto, the American League is wide open heading into 2025.

Things are ripe for the taking for Cleveland, but instead, the Guardians are continuing to play the long game. At least that's what it appears.

Maybe Cleveland will shock the world and sign Teoscar Hernandez or swing a big trade. But as of right now, it's looking more and more like the Guardians of old: good enough to regularly contend, but not bold enough to make the right moves to put the team over the top.

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I would love for the Guardians to target a trade with the Chicago Cubs for Nico Hoerner. In 2,869 innings at second base, Hoerner has 26 Defensive Runs Saved and 37 Outs Above Average. For comparison, Gimenez has 3,973 innings at second base and 58 DRS and 50 OAA. As you can see, the drop-off defensively would not be severe and Hoerner is a career 102 wRC+ hitter, likely a slight upgrade from Gimenez. Hoerner is due $11.5 million in 2025 and $12 million in 2026. The Cubs are looking to move money around to use for other moves, have Matt Shaw as a top 100 prospect ready to play second base, and could use significant help in the bullpen. If the Guardians take on Hoerner’s deal, I think a deal built around Hunter Gaddis, Andrew Walters or Franco Aleman (whichever elite arm the Cubs prefer) and perhaps a young bat they like (maybe even Freeman or Martinez) would get the deal done.

Not sure who is making this suggestion but they do not know what they are talking about ! Might as well start posting crap from Dennis Nosco !

Not to worry:

Second baseman Nico Hoerner has reportedly been available in trade talks this winter, with the Mariners in particular being said to have interest in the infielder. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, however, it’s possible that the club’s thinking involving Hoerner has changed in the aftermath of yesterday’s deal with the Astros. Rosenthal notes that the Cubs were motivated to trade from their infield mix in order to open up playing time for top prospect Matt Shaw, who hit a sensational .298/.395/.534 in a late-season cup of coffee at the Triple-A level and appears ready to make the jump to the major leagues.

It’s at least possible another addition changes those plans, as USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported earlier today that the club is in the market for third base help following yesterday’s deal. It’s unclear if such an addition would be a part-time player who could offer insurance in case Shaw proves to not be quite ready for the majors or if the Cubs are pursuing more of a regular option at the hot corner, but it would seem likely at this point that the Cubs may only seriously entertain a Hoerner trade going forward if they’re able to land a regular third baseman, thereby allowing them to replace Hoerner with Shaw at the keystone.

While Hoerner may be staying put in Chicago, the same cannot be said for Cody Bellinger.

If you are going to dump Gimenez, anything's still possible.


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Guardians Reliever Will Play Winter Ball As A Starter

December 15, 2024

By Andres Chavez

The Cleveland Guardians are on the lookout for starting pitchers.

If you have been following the team in recent weeks and months, that shouldn’t be a surprise to you.

The team lost Shane Bieber, Alex Cobb and Matthew Boyd to free agency, and while they were able to retain their longtime ace, the last two departed to the Detroit Tigers and Cubs, respectively.

The Guards brought in Luis L. Ortiz to bolster the rotation, but they still need an arm or two to really compete with the best.

While they look around the free agent and trade markets, they are trying to come up with solutions from within the organization.

They are, apparently, eager to turn one of their relievers into a starting pitcher.

They haven’t made such announcement, but Pedro Avila, who was a valuable reliever in the regular season and playoffs, will start a winter league stint in Venezuela… as a starter.






El lanzador grandeliga Pedro Ávila jugará con los Tiburones de La Guaira.

El derecho se incorporará la próxima y realizará dos aperturas con los escualos.

The article says that Avila will make his Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional (LVBP) debut next week with Tiburones de La Guaira.

It also states that he will make two starts with Tiburones.

It doesn’t offer any specifics about the Guardians plans for Avila.

The fact they are letting him start is telling: there is a non-zero chance that’s the role Cleveland wants him to fulfill moving forward.

Avila accumulated experience working multiple innings through the years.

He started six games in 2023 and pitched 82.2 frames this year in just 54 games.

He had a 3.81 ERA between the San Diego Padres and the Guardians.

Right now, Cleveland has Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Ortiz, Ben Lively, Joey Cantillo, Logan Allen and Bieber when he returns around mid-season.

They should add another high-profile name, but if they want to go cheap, Avila could become an option to start eventually.

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Pedro Ávila will wear the Sharks uniform

The pitcher will make his debut with the Litoral team next week

The Tiburones de La Guaira will add a reinforcement from the Major Leagues in the next few days. This is the case of pitcher Pedro Ávila, who will wear the uniform of the team from the coast.

The information was released by the shark team. According to reports, the Caracas native will also be pitching as a starter.

Let's remember that Ávila comes from playing in MLB with the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Guardians in 2024, reaching the postseason.






Líder en Deportes
@LiderEsDeporte
El lanzador grandeliga Pedro Ávila jugará con los Tiburones de La Guaira.

El derecho se incorporará la próxima y realizará dos aperturas con los escualos.

Last season he posted a 3.82 ERA in 54 games with 82 strikeouts in 82.2 innings of work.

[ Avila will be joining Gabe ]

Yankees Considering Guardians Star As Trade Option

December 15, 2024

By Andres Chavez

The New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians are both top American League contenders.

We saw that this past season, as both teams reached the AL Championship Series.

The Yankees came out on top, but the Guards showed the world what they are made of.

They showcased their bright future and staying power.

Even with two potential powerhouses possibly facing off again at some point in 2025, there is a chance they actually match up in trade talks.

The Yankees have things that the Guardians need, and Cleveland has pieces that will certainly interest New York.

As the Yanks negotiate with the Chicago Cubs for Cody Bellinger, they are also keeping an eye on the rest of the position player market.

This means they are, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, considering Josh Naylor as a potential option to play first base in 2025.

“Still a $ gap in Bellinger trade talk with Yankees and Cubs as of this minute. It’s a matter of “who blinks first,” if ever. Still could happen but Yanks also considering Alonso, Walker, C. Santana, J. Naylor, N. Lowe, probably others,” Heyman said.

The Yankees are looking for a first baseman after letting Anthony Rizzo go via free agency.

The Guardians have reportedly made Naylor, who hit 31 homers and drove in 108 runs in 2024, expandable because he will be a free agent after 2025.

Cleveland needs starting pitching and an outfielder.

The Yanks traded away some of their depth (Nestor Cortes) in the Devin Williams deal, but have some interesting players in the high minors and majors that could interest the Guardians.

Can these two contenders strike a deal involving Naylor?

We shall see in the upcoming weeks.

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