The Cleveland Guardians weren’t going to sign Blake Snell.
However, they lost their first real chance to upgrade their rotation when they let left-handed Matthew Boyd, who was brilliant for them in 2024, sign with the Chicago Cubs.
There will be plenty of opportunities to improve the pitching staff, but make no mistake: Cleveland needs to make at least one or two moves for their rotation.
They have several talented young starters, but depth can quickly evaporate and they know it.
They have experienced it.
Right now, their depth chart indicates that they need to be active in the free agent and trade markets.
“The Guardians rotation as things currently stand: 1. Tanner Bibee, 2. Gavin Williams, 3. Ben Lively, 4. Joey Cantillo, 5. Logan Allen. Depth: 6. Triston McKenzie, 7. ?????????”, Always the Jake posted on X.
The Guardians rotation as things currently stand:
1. Tanner Bibee
2. Gavin Williams
3. Ben Lively
4. Joey Cantillo
5. Logan AllenDepth:
6. Triston McKenzie
7+ ?????????? 😭 😭— Always the Jake (@JacobsFieldRBW) December 2, 2024
Tanner Bibee is a fine young starter, as is Gavin Williams.
The latter posted a 4.86 ERA this year amid elbow woes, though.
Surely Cleveland will want better, more durable pitchers at the top of the staff.
Ben Lively is a fine starter, but he was left off the postseason rotation for a reason.
Right now, he would be the Guards’ third starter.
As a reminder, Cleveland lost Shane Bieber, Boyd, and Alex Cobb to free agency.
McKenzie is not a reliable starter at the moment as he battles control issues, and Allen also had a disappointing 2024.
A team that just went to the American League Championship Series can’t field that rotation.
There needs to be at least a couple of impact additions, probably even three.
The good thing is that Cleveland has the backing of a strong farm to trade from.
Things might start to get interesting next week at the Winter Meetings.
Stay tuned.
NEXT: Guardians Outfield Prospect Off To A Fast Start In Puerto Rico
