The Cleveland Guardians were searching for offense throughout the season.
That was a concern before Opening Day, and it remained that way as the months went by.
So, it’s clear where they need to invest this offseason.
With that in mind, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report named Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette as a “dark horse” free agent signing.
“The Guards haven’t even had an Opening Day payroll of $100 million since 2019, so the thought of them investing nearly $200 million in a single player is borderline madness. But in a do-or-die game against the [Detroit] Tigers, they started three players who hit .220 this season, a catcher who hit .195, and a rookie who made his MLB debut two days prior. If they’re ever going to spend for anything, it better be hits,” Miller wrote.
That makes sense on paper, but given the way the Guardians usually operate, it’s hard to envision them spending big money on a shortstop.
They have infielder Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, waiting in line, and while he’s likely going to play second base, he can play shortstop.
The Guardians are also high on both Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio, who played there this season, and Juan Brito will be in the mix as well.
Of course, Bichette is an All-Star who’s already proven himself, and he’d be an upgrade over all of them, so that’s not to say that the Guardians don’t need him.
If they are going to spend on a free agent, chances are that they will go after a slugging outfielder, especially if they wind up trading Steven Kwan, as some insiders expect them to do.
Hopefully, the Guardians will make the kind of moves that fans have been urging them to make for years.
NEXT: Guardians May Have Missed Strategic Playoff Edge Against Tigers
