A prominent MLB insider claims the Cleveland Guardians are on the hunt to address two specific areas of need on the trade block, but the question is what players would they have the best chance of landing before July 30?
Entering the MLB games today, the Cleveland Guardians sit atop the American League Central with a solid five-game lead on the surprising Kansas City Royals and actually own the fourth-best record in all of MLB. After finishing in third place in 2023, the roster is delivering on the potential they showed when they won the division two years ago.
However, if they are to go far in the playoffs in the fall, the Guardians will have some big mountains to climb in potential matchups against the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Orioles. That is why General Manager Mike Chernoff must be active before the July 30 MLB trade deadline and it seems he has already been “scouring” the market to improve to certain areas.
“The Guardians are scouring both leagues for a middle-of-the-rotation type starting pitcher and a corner outfield to lengthen their lineup with more pop,” The Athletic MLB insider Jim Bowden reported this week.
With that in mind, let’s look at five players the Cleveland Guardians could target in a trade over the next few weeks.
5 potential Cleveland Guardians trade deadline targets to bolster the starting staff and outfield
Luis Severino
After a disastrous 2023 season where it seemed like his best days were behind him at only 30, former New York Yankees two-time All-Star Luis Severino has had a bounce-back year in Queens instead of the Bronx this season. The talented righty has posted a 3.25 ERA and one of the best WHIPs (1.139) of his career. He is not the dominant force he was early in his career, but the impending free agent is a perfect option for a middle-of-the-rotation starter who also has playoff experience on the biggest stage.
Jake McCarthy
There have been rumblings talented Arizona Diamondbacks speedster Jake McCarthy could be available before the trade deadline. While he doesn’t have the pop that Bowden suggested the team is looking for, high-level defense and the ability to steal a base are very valuable come playoff time. Plus, he is under team control for several more years at a very affordable price.
Also Read: MLB predictions 2024: Projecting where the Cleveland Guardians will finish this season
Tommy Pham
Guardians fans have become more familiar with Tommy Pham this year after joining the Chicago White Sox in the offseason. While he isn’t a name that jumps off the page, he is a rock-solid talent who is having a good season on an awful team. And brings a little pop and versatility to the Cleveland outfield for the stretch run. Furthermore, he would not come at a high cost in a trade.
Tyler Anderson
While it has been another disappointing season for the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, nine-year veteran Tyler Anderson has been one of the bright spots. The one-time All-Star is having one of the best years of his career at 34 and is only signed for one more season at a reasonable rate of $13 million. If he becomes available, he would be a great option to boost the starting rotation.
Also Read: MLB MVP race 2024 – Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts among top AL, NL MVP candidates in June
Starling Marte
If healthy, Starling Marte is still an impact player at 35 years old (He will turn 36 days before the MLB trade deadline). After an injury-filled season in 2023, he has bounced back and been one of the few reliable hitters in the New York Mets lineup this year (.288 AVG, .338 OBP, .437 SLG). He has legit pop and even adds a little speed (10 SB) to the order. The only downside is he still has one year and just under $21 million left on his contract.
