The trade deadline is a little over a week away, and the Cleveland Guardians have several specific needs before it rolls around.
For months, it has become clear that Cleveland’s biggest need is in the rotation.
With Shane Bieber injured and Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen in Triple-A, they sure need a couple of reinforcements there.
However, the offense has been struggling as of late and could also use some help via trade.
Here are three hitters who have the potential to be difference-makers for the Guardians and could be available.
Randy Arozarena
The Guardians only have one reliable starting outfielder and his name is Steven Kwan.
They have talented outfielders who have failed to be consistent, which is the case of Will Brennan and Tyler Freeman just to name a couple.
That’s why they could definitely use someone like Arozarena if the Tampa Bay Rays are willing to discuss him.
Arozarena has 20-30 potential (he did it once, and was a 20-20 performer for three straight years before 2024) and a career .787 OPS.
He is a noted postseason hero and has the pop to help the Guardians reach their goals.
He will be arbitration-eligible for two seasons after 2024 but is already expensive for Guardians standards (making over $8 million this year).
That could complicate things, but he is good enough to be a difference-maker.
Bo Bichette
The Guardians have gotten a 74 wRC+ from their shortstops this season.
That ranks 27th out of 30 MLB teams.
If they have a position to upgrade ahead of the deadline, it’s definitely shortstop, where Brayan Rocchio has failed to perform.
Cleveland has tried Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann there, which has helped, but they could be getting a former All-Star in Bichette.
No one knows if the Toronto Blue Jays will make him available, particularly considering the fact his calf injury will take him out for longer than anticipated, but the Guards would be wise to inquire anyway.
Martinez and Schneemann could spell Bichette while he is out, and when he returns, he is the same .798-OPS hitter who had at least 20 home runs in the three seasons before 2024.
He is under contract for 2025, so he won’t be a rental.
He could be available for the stretch run, the playoffs, and the entire 2025 campaign.
It’s a matter of determining if the potential acquisition cost is worth it.
Brent Rooker
Rooker, the star of the Oakland Athletics, is more of a designated hitter than an outfielder, but his bat is potent and the Guardians can, and should, accommodate him.
The 29-year-old is having a career season, with a .294/.373/.578 line, 22 home runs and a .951 OPS.
Imagine having him hit after Kwan, Jose Ramirez, and Josh Naylor.
He sure would make the offense more fun and productive.
NEXT: Guardians Starter Completely Loses Strike Zone In Latest Triple-A Outing
