Much has been discussed about the Cleveland Guardians and the availability of game broadcasts in the 2024 season.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Diamond Sports Group, who controls the Bally Sports networks, reached an agreement with the Guardians for the upcoming campaign.
Many teams use TV money to help fund their payroll and, in some cases, increase it.
The Guardians, however, don’t have an owner that is particularly inclined to make huge free-agent signings.
It has always been this way: it’s nothing new.
Through president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, the Guardians let fans know that TV deal or not, the payroll will remain the same.
He explained his reasons.
“Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said the team’s 2024 TV deal will have no effect on the team’s payroll because they have to find out who among their young players can succeed in the big leagues,” clevelanddotcom tweeted.
The responses of fans were mostly a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration.
The Guardians are truly a poverty franchise.
— Dr. Bob in Twinsburg (@DrBobNTwinsburg) February 17, 2024
Just the way @DolansThoughts wants it
— Radu Marinescu (@radum27) February 17, 2024
For Christ sakes #selltheteam
— Rick Moskal (@thisguyrickm) February 17, 2024
This team deserves to be a bottom attendance team. The owners don't care.
— Mister J (@MisterJ32) February 17, 2024
The Guardians do have an impressive core of young talent coming up: Brayan Rocchio, Gabriel Arias, Tyler Freeman, George Valera, Bo Naylor, Logan Allen, Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Xzavion Curry, Johnathan Rodriguez, Chase DeLauter, Daniel Espino, Juan Brito… all of them are either in the majors or relatively close.
However, they are also a top hitter or two away from being AL Central favorites and, so far, have refused to add anyone of note.
J.D. Martinez is still available, Jorge Soler was until very recently, and there are more exciting names that fans know they likely won’t have.
The Guardians are competitive, but sometimes frustrating.
Very frustrating.
NEXT: Brayan Rocchio Shares Message Ahead Of Crucial Season
