The Cleveland Guardians may not play in the biggest sports market, and they may not have the bright lights other cities do. However, they should still be considered a prime destination for free agents.
At least, that’s how Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report feels. In his latest column, he ranked the Guardians as the 13th best team for MLB free agents:
“The Guardians have missed the playoffs only three times in the last decade. They have one of the game’s best managers and (assuming they don’t trade anyone) stars in the right places. Former No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana is among the top prospects they’re set to graduate in 2026. Cleveland is the more affordable of the two MLB cities in Ohio, and Ohio’s tax rate is on the low side, to boot. So, if the Guardians are willing to make a push in free agency, general economic well-being is their ace in the hole,” Rymer wrote.
Truth be told, it’s hard to disagree with any of this. The Guardians have several things going on for them, especially their perennial status as a playoff contender.
Even last season, when it seemed that they wouldn’t stand a chance to reach the postseason, they still managed to get the job done. That’s a testament to Stephen Vogt and the outstanding job he’s done in his two years in charge of the team.
That being said, the front office now has to give him a helping hand. The Guardians already have a superstar and one of the best players in the game in Jose Ramirez, but this is a team sport first and foremost, so they have to add more talent around him.
Granted, the Guardians have never been the type of team that’s going to spend big bucks in free agency. They’re not even going to try to compete against the biggest names in the game for the top-tier free agents in the league. Still, that doesn’t mean they can’t make some moves and get the type of players they need.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Guardians' Potential Plans With Chase DeLauter
