The Cleveland Guardians remain in an uncomfortable middle ground after the MLB trading deadline.
They are probably not good enough to think they are a shoo-in for the postseason, yet they aren’t so bad to think they don’t have a chance to make it.
They aren’t as good as, say, the Detroit Tigers, but they also aren’t as bad as the Minnesota Twins, who traded away much of their roster.
According to analyst Ken Carman, it feels like a season of limbo for Cleveland.
“It’s still a purgatory of a season but I don’t find it to be a white flag like the Twins. … The season still has to stand for something,” Carman said.
⚾"It's still a purgatory of a season but I don't find it to be a white flag like the Twins… The season still has to stand for something."@KenCarman & @SportsBoyTony on the #Guardians trade deadline moves, especially keeping Steven Kwan.
🔊: https://t.co/V1vxEMzcjI pic.twitter.com/pzFGf7j2Ps
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 1, 2025
The radio host acknowledged he thought he was going to rant about the Guardians trading Steven Kwan, but he is glad they didn’t
Carman said that keeping the outfielder represents good news for fans and the team, but also suggested that they have to make this season count for something, even after trading ace Shane Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays.
He said that Kyle Manzardo should now play every day, which would help with his development, and also explained that it’s a great chance for C.J. Kayfus, one of their best offensive prospects, to see the majors soon.
“I don’t think this organization went to terrible mode,” Carman said.
In reality, Cleveland’s roster remains virtually unchanged, so theoretically, it can make a run at the postseason if it plays its cards right.
But the organization has to get the best out of the remaining season while trusting young players, like Kayfus, to contribute.
If David Fry ever hits his stride, Kayfus is called up, and surging young players Brayan Rocchio and Bo Naylor keep up their momentum, Cleveland can compete for an AL Wild Card.
NEXT: Chris Antonetti Is Full Of Praise For New Guardians Prospect
