A lockout could be around the corner in MLB, and if that’s the case, it could change the way teams operate. For now, however, everyone is entering what is looking like a crazy November that could include many trades, transactions, and even extensions.
With that in mind, there are two players on the current Cleveland Guardians roster whose contributions made them worthy of being considered extension candidates.
Gavin Williams
The big right-hander proved himself on the biggest stage: the postseason. However, before his brilliant October run, he led the American League in strikeouts with a whopping 248 in the regular season, just four behind the MLB leader. He also posted a solid 3.76 ERA.
Williams’ big-time stuff is tailor-made for the postseason, and that’s worth locking up if you are the Guardians’ front office. His improved command, triple-digit fastball, and hammer curveball all but guarantee October dominance. Additionally, his big frame and durability act as good covers for potential health issues.
Williams, 27, is at a perfect age for an extension. He is already experienced, but there’s enough evidence out there to suggest that his best seasons might actually be ahead of him.
In the 2026-27 offseason, Williams will enter the arbitration system for the first time, which means he has three seasons of team control remaining. The Guardians would be smart to tie him up to a five- or six-year deal that covers all those years plus two or three of free agency.
They could get some cost certainty in the always crucial (for small-market squads, at least) salary arbitration, and Williams would have financial security for life.
Patrick Bailey
Jo Adell, Nathaniel Lowe, and Foster Griffin were all excellent trade acquisitions, but the best of them all was, without a doubt, Patrick Bailey. Since he came to the team well before the deadline, it tends to be a bit forgotten. His impact, however, is very much appreciated.
Bailey came to Cleveland as a two-time Gold Glove Award winner who offered very little at the plate. However, he slashed a solid .228/.292/.390 line with a 90 wRC+ and nine homers in 82 contests with the Guardians, which is more than acceptable for a catcher.
His best work came behind the plate, though, where he offered excellent blocking, throwing, and game-calling skills. Oh, and he became a monster in postseason play, hitting an excellent .273/.333/.455 with two homers and a 122 wRC+.
Bailey, like Williams, has three seasons of salary arbitration ahead of him. He showed enough to be considered the catcher of the future in Cleveland, so an extension makes plenty of sense.
NEXT: Cleveland Voice Says Brewers' Title Should Change Conversation About Guardians
