The Cleveland Guardians aren’t the type of team that’s just going to break the bank in free agency. They know they can’t compete with the bigger markets, so they won’t even try.
That might frustrate some fans, but given their playoff history, it’s hard to argue with their approach. Instead, they will look to build and develop their roster, as opposed to just buying it. With that in mind, the Guardians will look for their next star in the 2025 MLB Draft.
And, according to MLB analyst Jim Callis, they might use their first-round selection to keep adding talent to the middle of the infield:
“Eric Becker, SS, Virginia (No. 21),” Callis wrote. “Becker has a similar profile to his younger brother, Nick (SEA No. 12), an offensive-minded middle infielder whom the Mariners drafted in the second round last July.”
That would be right on point with what this team usually does. However, as talented a player as he is, he might not be what this team needs right now.
The Guardians already have two promising stars in the middle of the infield. Former No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana and switch-hitching prospect Angel Genao are both strong candidates to have a role on the team next season and be their second baseman and shortstop for years to come. And while you can never have too much depth, and you should also go with the best player available, this team could benefit from focusing on other positions instead.
The Guardians used their first-round selection to get Jace LaViolette the last time around, and someone with that type of profile might make more sense for an organization that has craved a high-end bat and outfield production for a long time now.
NEXT: Guardians Executive Hints At Big Offseason Plans For Key Unit
