The 2024-25 off-season is far from over.
Teams can still make impactful adds via free agency or the trade market.
However, and after the New York Yankees lost superstar outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets on Sunday night, things are becoming really interesting in the American League.
This year, the Cleveland Guardians lost the AL Championship Series 4-1 to the Yankees.
As things stand right now, however, the Yankees won’t have Soto next year and the Guards will have a key player they lost due to injury for last season’s matchup: ace Shane Bieber.
Yes, the Yankees might make more additions: they probably will.
However, none of them will have the individual value and potential impact of Soto.
If the Guardians are aggressive and bring in a top starter and a quality right fielder, the pennant could be theirs.
“The American League is right there for the taking. The Yankees likely pivot to some combination of Bregman/Alonso/Walker/Santander, and they’ll still have a really good team, but nobody will match the impact Soto had in the postseason. Hopefully the Guards are aggressive,” Guardians of the Land posted on X.
The American League is right there for the taking. The Yankees likely pivot to some combination of Bregman/Alonso/Walker/Santander, and they'll still have a really good team, but nobody will match the impact Soto had in the postseason.
Hopefully the Guards are aggressive.
— Guardians of The Land (@OurCLEGuardians) December 9, 2024
The key is that last line: the Guardians and president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti identifying the urgency and pouncing.
Yes, maybe the Yankees sign Anthony Santander and Jeff Hoffman while trading for Garrett Crochet.
Cleveland, however, could respond by trading for an ace or a number two, or by adding an impactful, powerful outfielder to the mix.
If they do that plus other minor moves, they could very well challenge for the junior circuit crown.
It’s all about seizing the moment.
NEXT: Matthew Boyd Writes Classy Farewell Message To Guardians Fans
