The Cleveland Guardians haven’t done much in the offseason, at least in terms of adding firepower to the offense. Other than adding some relievers to the mix, they have been mostly quiet.
That’s not likely to change any time soon. The team has been tied to several players, but they’ve never been big spenders. That’s why, as much as the fans would love to see that happening, team insider Paul Hoynes isn’t so sure about those rumors involving Harrison Bader.
In his latest column, he argued that the team isn’t likely to meet his financial aspirations:
“Bader, 31, has been linked to the Guardians. Last season, he hit .277 with 17 homers and 54 RBI with the Twins and Phillies. At the end of the 2025 season, he turned down a $10 million option to become a free agent. He’s probably looking for a two to three-year deal worth $25 million to $30 million. It’s hard to see the Guardians doing that,” Hoynes wrote.
Bader is a very productive player, and his reputation precedes him.
Unfortunately for the fans, the Guardians might feel a little more inclined to sign players to one-year deals and just use them as bridge or stopgaps while the youngsters develop. They have a plethora of young options for their outfield, and while they can’t bank all their hopes on rookies, they clearly have a vision for them.
If things work out in the way they intend to, they will have Chase DeLauter and George Valera playing every day. Hopefully, that will also include Steven Kwan, although he could still be traded at the right price. Crazier things have happened, and you can never rule out something in pro sports.
For now, however, it doesn’t sound like Harrison Bader will be a Guardian.
NEXT: Young Guardians Outfielder Is Facing Make-Or-Break Season
