The Cleveland Guardians are currently tied with the Chicago White Sox for the top spot in the AL Central division. They wrapped up the first half with a four-game winning streak and want to cement their place as bona fide contenders after the break.
To do that, they must be more consistent, and for that, they need better players at several specific positions. Another passive deadline would likely result in an early-round exit or in no postseason baseball at all.
Guardians insider Andre Knott offered his two cents on the upcoming deadline plans for the team and implied that they need to prioritize one key area.
“Well, they got to go get a bullpen guy. I will be shocked if they don’t at least get another bullpen arm. And… I love… I love Manzardo, and I love Rhys Hoskins. But, if there’s a first baseman that hits right-handed, that can do better than Hoskins or better than what… they have… It’s pertinent, especially with the offenses that you’ve seen in… in Chicago. You know what the Yankees do home run-wise. They have to try to find somebody who can hit the ball out of the ballpark. Like, it’s just… simple,” Knott said.
"I would be shocked if they don't get another bullpen arm," – @DreKnott on the Guardians at the trade deadline.
Dre mentions the team also looking for a right-handed bat too 👀 pic.twitter.com/4Av48VtET1
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 14, 2026
For weeks, most members of the media and fans have been saying that the Guardians’ most pressing need ahead of the deadline is offense, specifically a right-handed bat. That need remains true to this day.
However, fortifying the bullpen might be just as important, if not more. After all, the Guardians are expected to get Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez back from the injured list relatively soon, and could call up potentially impactful minor leaguers such as Ralphy Velazquez, Cooper Ingle, and others.
Yes, most of those players are either lefties or switch-hitters, so adding a right-handed bat is also a must. However, we have seen the bullpen blow leads they should have kept because of a lack of reliable depth and fresh options in any given game.
The unit is improving, but Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Colin Holderman can’t pitch every game. Erik Sabrowski is not enjoying a particularly good time at the mound, and his struggles have affected the depth and pecking order.
The Guardians’ bullpen is eighth in baseball with a 3.74 ERA, but it has the potential to be much, much better.
NEXT: Guardians Land On Impressive MLB List With 2026 Draft Haul
