The Cleveland Guardians need to make some moves this offseason.
They beat the odds and overcame all sorts of adversity to make the playoffs, and they have a strong foundation to build around.
However, that doesn’t mean they should rest on their laurels.
With that in mind, analyst Jeff Ellis made a case for the Guardians to go after a young Houston Astros outfielder.
“The guy who jumped out to me is Jacob Melton, who single-handedly cost the Guardians a game earlier this year with his defense. He’s a left-handed hitter. He can play center field. He’s a big kid, relatively strong arm. With Houston’s need for pitching, I wonder if you can do some kind of deal where you trade Logan Allen for Melton and then another piece,” Ellis said.
The Guardians could certainly use some help in the outfield, and they may have an excess of pitching.
They don’t have a consistent left-handed bat in the lineup, and Melton shouldn’t be that expensive to acquire.
Rookie Chase DeLauter will most likely make the Cleveland roster to start the season, and he’s a left-handed hitter.
He should be given as many opportunities as he can handle, as he has All-Star potential and could be the next face of the franchise.
Nevertheless, as good as he is, he’s struggled to stay healthy, which is why the Guardians need to have an insurance policy as well, and Melton could fill that role.
He has major league experience, and the Guardians can’t pin all their hopes on their young players.
Helton may not be the big-time signing or trade fans want to see.
But judging by the way the Cleveland front office usually operates, he seems like a viable target.
NEXT: Guardians Eye Big Opportunity With Division Outlook Changing
