The Cleveland Guardians haven’t lived up to expectations this season.
They were projected to be a playoff-caliber team and maybe even lead the AL Central Division, yet that hasn’t been the case thus far.
As such, and after watching them struggle so mightily in June, some thought they were ready to move on from most of their veteran stars.
While that might still be the case, it seems like they don’t want to break up their once-stellar bullpen.
According to a report by Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, the Guardians are letting everybody around the league know that Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith are off the table in any trade talks:
“The Guardians, according to sources, have told teams that they are not going to trade their two top relievers — Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith. They’re all looking for affordable big arms for the back end of their bullpen. Smith and Clase fit that description, but the Guardians have said no whenever their names have been mentioned,” Hoynes wrote.
Truth be told, that’s an encouraging sign for the future.
Granted, the Guardians might not be interested in giving up prospects to land players who can help their case this season, but this also means they’re not giving up on this core of players.
This team isn’t that far off from competing at the highest level again, and while things haven’t gone their way this season, losing two of their best hurlers would do little to help their case.
The front office owes it to Jose Ramirez to do everything they can to make the most of his talents and compete for a World Series, even if it’s not this season.
Also, if they’re still reluctant to call up their star prospects, there’s not much of a point in acquiring more prospects if they’re not going to be given a chance to play.
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