The Cleveland Guardians aren’t out of the playoff race.
But even if they can’t make things happen this season, they should be a contending team next year if they don’t blow up their roster.
With that in mind, Zack Meisel of The Athletic believes that Stephen Vogt needs to tweak the lineup and make room for the young players to start getting some playing time.
Either to help the team out this season or in the future, it’s time to give the younger players an opportunity to show what they’re capable of.
He also thinks they could be planning ahead to next season by targeting someone who can help their offense next year at this season’s trade deadline:
“So, find a role for DeLauter or Kayfus, and start plotting how Juan Brito can help in September. Give daily opportunities to Manzardo and Jones, and anyone else finding a rhythm. Pray that Lane Thomas can get healthy and find his old ways. And, hey, don’t be afraid to get a head start on the offseason to-do list and survey the market for a controllable hitter this month. After all, it’s not like they’re magically going to arrive at spring training in 2026 with nine everyday starters ready to form an offensive juggernaut,” Meisel wrote.
The Guardians closed out the first half of the season on a positive note.
They will get Shane Bieber back at some point in the second half, and Slade Cecconi has played like a legitimate star for most of the campaign.
Jose Ramirez is a perennial MVP candidate, and Steven Kwan will be the Robin to his Batman.
Hoping that young players like C.J. Kayfus, Chase DeLauter, or even Brito will be the team’s savior might not be realistic or fair, but all of them look ready to embrace a bigger role.
If anything, it’s not like the team has anything to lose right now.
They’re not going to make a big move and acquire an All-Star, so they might as well give the prospects some valuable plate appearances to boost their development.
NEXT: Guardians Utilityman Drawing Interest Amid Trade Deadline
