Potential Cleveland Guardians Trade Targets

The Guardians could use another mid-relief option out of the bullpen with the upside of Bryan Abreu. This season, in 13.2 innings pitched, Abreu has struggled with an earned run average of 8.56. His value has gone down significantly, as well as the fact he is a free agent after this season. Cleveland would be taking a chance that he can find it at some point this regular season without having to make a long-term financial commitment.

Abreu has been one of the best relievers in baseball since debuting. He has a career 2.88 ERA in 343.1 innings pitched, which indicates how dominant he is on the mound. Another attribute he brings is his ability to be a setup, closer, or long relief option, giving Cleveland’s pitching staff plenty of options.

The Houston Astros have struggled mightily this season, and would field calls to sell high on their pending free agents. Abreu fits that profile and could yield them plentiful solid prospects. Giving up young prospects for older established players is something the Guardians rarely do. Nonetheless, the AL Central is once again wide open, enticing Cleveland to buy rather than sell.

The Proposed Trade:

Guardians receive: Bryan Abreu

Astros receive: Alfonsin Rosario (CLE #14 Prospect), Will Hynes (CLE #23 Prospect)

Chase Petty (SP)

The Guardians’ rotation has been lights out this season, but could still use a number five starter. Chase Petty comes to mind, with the Cincinnati Reds having a surplus of starting pitchers and needing depth in other departments. The former 1st round selection would come to a pitching factory with some of the best coaches in the major leagues. For the Reds, they would most likely want an outfielder in return who could play right away and help them compete in the NL Central.

Cleveland’s player that makes the most sense is George Valera. He has dealt with countless injuries during his tenure with the Guardians, and doesn’t have a starting spot. Both clubs get impact players that fit their needs and aspirations for making playoff runs. Cleveland has gotten solid production from Slade Cecconi, but it’s not good enough to lock up the final spot in the rotation. Petty, on the other hand, is a flamethrower looking for a new opportunity and a fresh start.

A one for one deal is rare these days, but for two teams with postseason hopes you do what it takes to fill areas of need. Both players have dealt with injuries and demotions, making them similar in more ways than one. Neither player has produced consistently at the major league level, making both trades a gamble for two contending organizations.

The Proposed Trade:

Guardians receive: Chase Petty

Reds receive: George Valera

Addison Barger (OF)

A blockbuster deal in Cleveland would send away Steven Kwan once and for all. He has been a great player for the Guardians, but inconsistencies with the bat and with free agency approaching make the trade even more likely. During last year’s trade deadline, the Guardians fielded calls for Kwan and had a high asking price. A year later, the price has gone down, with him struggling at the plate.

A return that makes sense is one from the Toronto Blue Jays. They are looking for left field help and have plenty of impactful players and prospects that the Guardians may want. Addison Barger is a player who broke out with 21 HR’s and a .755 OPS. Barger is still 26 years old and under contract until 2028. He would headline the package, with prospects from the Blue Jays minor league system.

This trade gives both Cleveland and Toronto what they want. The Blue Jays get their left fielder for the foreseeable future, who will give them gold gold defense with the hope of finding his offense. For the Guardians, Barger gives them a solid bat with power who can play many different positions in the outfield for years to come. Along with Barger, Cleveland adds to their prospect depth while avoiding extending Kwan to a long-term deal.

The Proposed Trade:

Guardians receive: Addison Barger, Josh Kasevich (TOR #13 Prospect)

Blue Jays receive: Steven Kwan, Justin Campbell (CLE #22 Prospect)

End Of My Cleveland Guardians Trade Targets Rant

The MLB trade deadline is still months away, but teams start getting head starts in May and June. The Guardians have plenty of needs as well as players who could be dealt, making them a very interesting team at the deadline. Already making one deal on the year, acquiring Patrick Bailey shows Cleveland’s willingness to part with prospects to contend. These trades have both boldness and elements of realism, raising the question of who could be dealt next.