The Cleveland Guardians were just a few games away from reaching the World Series this past season, which has added more pressure to this offseason.
The team has needed to make a few obvious improvements to get to the next level.
Even though the team was so close, it has had a relatively quiet offseason.
With weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the team is still being urged to sign one free-agent pitcher.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report shared a recent article detailing one realistic option each team can still sign in free agency.
He’d like to see the Guardians land lefty pitcher Ryan Yarbrough.
“The Guardians ended up relying on Alex Cobb and Matthew Boyd to start postseason games last year, and while they have added Luis L. Ortiz and will have a healthy Shane Bieber back at some point, adding further rotation depth would be wise. Yarbrough has been a successful swingman throughout his career, so he can fill a bulk relief role and wait in the wings for when a rotation need arises,” Reuter said.
Yarbrough split 44 appearances between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays last season and had one of the best years of his career with a 3.19 ERA in 98.2 innings of work.
He recently turned 33 and likely wouldn’t cost much or require a long-term commitment, which is perfect for a frugal contender like the Guardians.
It’s not a major need, but the team could use a little more depth in the rotation given the uncertainty of Shane Bieber, who re-signed on a two-year deal and is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
It’s not the big splash many fans have been hoping for, but it’s becoming clear that type of move isn’t going to happen, and Yarbrough would be a solid addition to an already impressive pitching staff.
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