The Cleveland Guardians currently sit at 45-48 on the season and in second place in the American League Central. Despite their poor record, the Guardians are only 2.5 game behind the Minnesota Twins.
Typically, this would make it hard for general manager Mike Chernoff and Co. to be sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline. That might not be the case should Cleveland’s struggles continue ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline.
According to this note from MLB insider Jon Morosi, Cleveland could very well look to move starting pitcher Aaron Civale over the next couple weeks. In fact, Morosi notes that the 28-year-old righty is now Cleveland’s top trade chip now that Shane Bieber has been shut down for at least the next two weeks because of an inflamed right elbow.
If Civale is actually put on the block, he’d be among the most attractive options for contending teams. Not only has he pitched well recently, but the Northeastern product is also under team control through the 2025 season. Teams are putting more value in adding controllable pitchers rather than rentals with the deadline approaching.
Aaron Civale stats (2023): 3-2 record, 2.65 ERA, 1.08 WHIP
Over the course of his past three starts, Civale is pitching to a 1.50 ERA with opponents hitting a mere .159 against him. The Guardians could very well look to sell high on the veterans.
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Teams who might be in on Cleveland Guardians star pitcher
The surprising Cincinnati Reds are in the market for a starter. Most recently, they have been linked to a couple Chicago White Sox starters. Given Cincinnati’s status as a mid-market team, acquiring a controllable pitcher makes sense.
The defending World Series champion Houston Astros have also been linked to starters. In fact, general manager Dana Brown just recently made it clear that this will be a focus ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
While not in contention and looking to sell ahead of the deadline, the struggling St. Louis Cardinals are also a possibility. It was noted earlier this month that St. Louis is open to moving a young position player for a starter that’s under team control. Aaron Civale fits into that category.