Guardians Can Still Make Substantial Roster Upgrades Via Free Agency

The Cleveland Guardians have made some key moves in the 2024-25 off-season.

They re-signed their ace Shane Bieber, they brought in rotation reinforcements in Luis L. Ortiz and Slade Cecconi, acquired some prospects, and traded away some relievers (a position of strength).

Since they traded away second baseman Andrés Giménez, the keystone could use a talented veteran presence.

They also have a hole in right field and could still use another impact starter.

Despite the additions made to this point, there is still work to be done.

Thankfully, there are still free agent options that could significantly improve the Guardians roster.

“Clear Upgrades: Taylor Ward, Brandon Lowe, Jurickson Profar, Jeff Hoffman. Marginal Upgrades: Jesse Winker, David Peralta, Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, Spencer Turnbull. Reclamation Projects: Jorge Polanco, Dylan Carlson, Lance Lynn,” Guardians of the Land posted on X.

****Offseason Target Reset****

Clear Upgrades:
Taylor Ward
Brandon Lowe
Jurickson Profar
Jeff Hoffman

Mariginal Upgrades:
Jesse Winker
David Peralta
Michael Lorenzen
Jose Quintana
Spencer Turnbull

Reclamation Projects:
Jorge Polanco
Dylan Carlson
Lance Lynn

— Guardians of The Land (@OurCLEGuardians) December 28, 2024

Ward would fill a huge void in right field and buy the team some time until top prospect Chase DeLauter is definitely and unquestionably ready.

Lowe is a powerful infielder who can play first and second base, and Profar is even more versatile.

Winker and Peralta would slightly move the needle in the outfield while Lorenzen could supply league-average innings in the back of the rotation if needed.

Polanco actually makes a lot of sense because before his down 2024, he was a consistently above-average hitter.

To be clear, the Guardians have internal solutions to all their needs.

However, they could be better off bringing in talented free agents in some particular spots.

Many free agents have signed by now, but there are plenty of names available and Cleveland still has time to make some moves.