Cleveland Guardians: Stock up, stock down
Sitting at 40-42, the Cleveland Guardians are only a half-game back of the first-place Minnesota Twins in the weak American League Central. The Guardians have had an anemic offense in 2023, scoring the fourth-fewest runs in the majors, but they have been able to win with great pitching and sound defense. The Guardians hope some of their hitters will snap out of their cold streaks as they push for a playoff spot.
Here are the Guardians whose stocks are going up and down in 2023.
Stock Up
Gavin Williams, pitcher: After a dominant 2022 professional debut, Williams quickly rose up the Guardians farm system, pitching at four different levels in less than two seasons.
Williams made 37 starts in the minors, including 12 in 2023, and all he has done in that time is post a 9-6 record with a 2.10 ERA while striking out 230 batters in 175.1 innings pitched. Making his MLB debut on June 21 against the Oakland A's, Williams gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings but he didn't look out of his comfort zone on the mound.
In his second start, he looked like the prospect that dominated the minors, going seven shutout innings while allowing only one hit and striking out six on the road against the Kansas City Royals.
Williams has a chance to be a very special pitcher, one that could contend for Cy Young awards for years to come.
Josh Naylor, first base: A solid contributor since coming over from the San Diego Padres in a trade, Naylor had a .251 average with 27 home runs and 102 RBI in 213 games played for the Guardians before this season.
In 2023, Naylor is enjoying the best season of his young career. With a .301 average and 10 home runs, 18 doubles and 60 RBI he is turning into one of the better first basemen in the American League. Naylor has been red hot over the last 30 games, hitting .385 with 28 RBI.
With Jose Ramirez hitting in front of him, Naylor should continue to have plenty of opportunities to produce for the Guardians as they push for the playoffs.
Stock Down
Josh Bell, designated hitter: Signing a two-year, $33M contract with the Guardians this offseason, Bell has been a massive disappointment so far.
Hitting only .228 with eight home runs and 38 RBI, Bell looks far from the hitter who averaged 21 home runs and 75 RBI while hitting .262 over his first six full seasons in the MLB.
Brought in to add protection in the lineup behind Naylor and Ramirez, Bell has the ability to go on a tear but his recent play is showing that his dreadful second half in San Diego might be his reality as a hitter now.
Cal Quantrill, pitcher: One of the other players acquired in the trade that brought over Naylor, Quantrill had put up very good numbers for the Guardians. After starting 32 games in 2022, Quantrill ended the season with a 15-5 record and a 3.38 ERA in 186.1 innings pitched.
The wheels have fallen off for him in 2023, with a 2-5 record to go along with a 6.18 ERA. Quantrill has not been able to get opposing hitters out, allowing a .285 batting average against.
Over his last three starts the 28-year-old right-hander has gone 0-3 with a 15.43 ERA, allowing 20 runs in only 11.2 innings pitched. The Guardians hope he can shake off these bad starts, but his regression in 2023 is alarming.
More must-reads: