Even though it may not feel like it, the Cleveland Guardians actually have been fairly active this offseason, just not where fans or the stats say they should be focusing.
The front office has fulfilled its commitment to bolster the bullpen and pitching staff by signing a variety of veteran and projectable pitchers. However, they’d yet to add a hitter to the big-league roster, outside of re-signing Austin Hedges, who is on the roster in more of a veteran leadership role.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCleveland’s move, or lack of activity, has prompted ESPN’s Jeff Passan to give the organization an uninspiring analysis up to this point in the offseason. The insider and analyst placed the Guardians in the category of “teams needed to make a move.”
“They return a lineup that ranked 29th in each of the triple-slash categories. They should sign a hitter. Multiple hitters. Any hitter, really. Something to give them the shot they deserve to try to win the AL Central for the third consecutive season and fourth time in five years,” wrote Passan.
May 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) looks on before the first game of a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesSome players who Passan thinks could be intriguing fits for the Guardians include Luis Arraez, Harrison Bader, Eugenio Suarez, and Marcell Ozuna. Out of that trio, Bader would be the most logical fit as an everyday center fielder or platoon partner in right field.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s hard to argue with anything Passan points out. Cleveland objectively had one of the worst lineups in baseball a year ago, and they’ve made no moves to make meaningful upgrades to
Perhaps Chase DeLauter, George Valera, C.J. Kayfus, and eventually Travis Bazzana will help with the lackluster lineup. But they're also rookies, and with that comes growing pains and learning curves, which Cleveland can’t always afford
The good news is the offseason isn’t over, and there are still plenty of free agent options available for the Guardians. Outside of the players Passan already listed, Cleveland should consider Austin Hays, Randall Grichuk, or Miguel Andujar as potential options in the outfield.
Passan stresses the Guardians must make another move to add a hitter; now we just need to wait and see if that actually happens.
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