Every summer, the trade deadline gives every MLB team the opportunity to improve the roster with the idea of competing for a spot in the postseason, or to shore up their farm systems with the future in mind.
The deadline, in many ways, shaped the Cleveland Guardians’ season this year. It gave the pitching staff a much-needed starter and also yielded a few pieces for their lineup that ended up elevating its ceiling.
The Athletic’s Johnny Flores Jr. ranked the 30 best and most impactful deadline moves, and as you can imagine, some Guardians acquisitions made the list. Starting pitcher Foster Griffin was 19th, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe checked in at No. 7, and outfielder Jo Adell was the sixth-best acquisition.
“On paper, [Foster Griffin] seemed like a slam-dunk acquisition for both parties. In reality, if not for October, this trade would be panned even more; Yes, Lowe was disappointing to close the year, but he was clutch in October, making the trade well worth it. Only Chase DeLauter had a higher cWPA (Championship Win Probability Added) than Lowe in the ALCS; Unlike Lowe, Adell was great down the stretch and carried it into October, where his two triples helped lift the Guardians over a pesky White Sox team,” Flores posted.
Griffin was coming off a very solid first four months with the Washington Nationals, in which he posted a 3.06 ERA and made the All-Star team. He wasn’t as good in Cleveland, as he had a 5.19 ERA in nine starts, but posted a 3.48 ERA in the postseason and was excellent in a variety of roles in October.
Statistically, Lowe was disappointing offensively, as he had a 77 wRC+ with the Guardians after a much better showing in Cincinnati. He was a professional hitter, though, who knew how to drive in runs, and he solidified the team’s infield defense, too. In the playoffs, Lowe had a 91 wRC+ with five RBI in 11 games.
Adell was probably the best deadline acquisition made by the Guardians. He homered seven times, drove in 32 runs in 48 games, and posted a 107 wRC+ in Cleveland. The team probably doesn’t win the White Sox series without his two clutch triples, so he also had his fair share of postseason moments despite a 69 wRC+.
Now, Griffin and Lowe are set to hit the free agent market, and Adell might be non-tendered to save money. Whatever happens with them, they contributed a lot to the Guardians’ successful 2026.
NEXT: Analysts Name Guardians’ Biggest Offseason Need
