In MLB, trades between contenders are not that uncommon.
Yes, we often see rebuilding squads get prospects from those competing, and the latter reinforce their rosters with MLB-ready contributors.
However, we also see two contenders striking a deal when they have complementary needs with frequency.
This could be the case of the Cleveland Guardians and the Baltimore Orioles.
The former want to shed some salary and get some interesting players in return, preferably pitchers or outfielders with power; while the latter is keen to add a first base and maybe a center fielder.
Andrew Bassan of Birds Watcher, as SI.com Cleveland writes, states that the O’s could purse a trade for Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas, two players reportedly on the trade block.
“The Orioles would hope that Cleveland’s price tag for the two free agents to-be would not be too exorbitant, considering the Guardians are looking to trade them to shed salary,” Bassan wrote. “However, the Guardians, fresh off a trip to the ALCS, would likely want Major League-ready pieces back for Naylor and Thomas.”
Naylor and Thomas are both entering the last year or arbitration, which is why the Guardians are looking to trade them.
Otherwise, keeping them would be a no-brainer as they are among the most consistent members of the lineup.
SI.com speculates that the Guardians could look at names like Ryan Mountcastle and pitchers Cade Povich and Dean Kremer from the Orioles.
Cleveland’s rotation improved dramatically with the return of Shane Bieber, but he won’t be available until around mid-season.
They still need arms to take them there.
It remains to be seen if they are interested in Povich, Kremer or any other arm in the Orioles organization.
For now, it’s all speculation.
NEXT: Guardians Reliever Prospect Works Hard To Keep Climbing Through The Minors
