Based on their status as the first-place team in the AL Central and their recent history of postseason success, the Cleveland Guardians are undoubtedly already making plans for how to address the MLB trade deadline. A smart deal or two could be what gets them back to the World Series for the first time in a decade.
Unlike last season, when the Guardians fell way behind in the standings and were more concerned with simply making the playoffs, this year, they can map out a path based on their likelihood to qualify. Then, it would be about winning games once they get there.
Despite some labor-talk concerns, Bleacher Report analyst Kerry Miller has named the Guardians as a potential landing spot for All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta, who would not only give them a boost in the regular season but could be very valuable in a playoff series as well.
“Peralta hasn’t been quite as impressive as last year, already allowing as many home runs to left-handed hitters (eight) as he did in the entirety of 2025. But he has been lights out against righties and has overall numbers on par with his norms from the past half-decade. And with a prorated salary of less than $2.5M after the trade deadline, the price is certainly right for even a team like the Guardians, Rays, Reds or Pirates to come calling about a pitcher who could be their Game 2 starter if they reach the postseason,” Miller wrote.
As a potential free agent following this season, the Milwaukee Brewers traded Peralta to the New York Mets this offseason. It is a formula Guardians fans may be familiar with, but this time, it could benefit Cleveland, which could now add Peralta as a low-priced rental with the Mets looking like potential sellers before the Aug. 3 deadline.
Cleveland has had a lot of success so far using the same five starting pitchers in every game this season. However, after potential All-Stars Gavin Williams and Parker Messick, the Guardians are likely looking to improve over Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo or Slade Cecconi if they hope to make a deep postseason run.
This season, Peralta has held right-handed hitters to a .209 batting average against, with one home run allowed in 98 at-bats. Lefties are hitting .250 against him with eight home runs in 184 at-bats. Overall, he is 4-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 13 starts.
He also has extensive postseason experience as a two-time All-Star with the Brewers, including four starts and one relief appearance over the past two seasons. In 2025, he went 1-2 with three starts and a 4.70 ERA.
Peralta arguably would be an upgrade to the Guardians’ rotation, and he could pay off in a big way this postseason without much risk involved.
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