Over the years, sports fans have joked that their teams tend to justify the lack of trade activity with the return of injured players. In many ways, you could say that Jose Ramirez and Angel Martinez rejoining the Cleveland Guardians’ lineup is like a couple of deadline acquisitions, but that’s not entirely accurate because they were part of the roster when the season started.
It’s not something that the Guardians per se have said this year, but analyst Matt Dery made sure to remind the front office not to make that mistake. He wants them to be active before August 3 because Cleveland has a good chance to put together a solid challenge for the title if they bring in the right people in addition to Ramirez and Martinez, who still hasn’t officially returned, by the way.
“Saying Angel and Jose coming back are the acquisitions we needed, that’s not acceptable. There are plenty of bats out there, even if it’s a bit player or a right-handed bat. You gotta add another bat that can make this team better. I think that’s what they should do,” Dery said.
"Saying Angel and Jose coming back are the acquisitions we needed, that's not acceptable… You gotta add another bat that makes this team better."
📞@DerySpeaks urges the Guardians to buy at the trade deadline pic.twitter.com/rS0C8mRecx
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 24, 2026
Cleveland’s offense is 22nd out of 30 teams with a 94 wRC+. It’s a well-below-average unit, no doubt. That’s why analysts and fans are insisting that the team brings in some thump for the lineup, which also ranks 25th in the league with 103 home runs.
A right-handed hitter would suit the current Guardians’ needs best. Cleveland ranks 27th among 30 MLB squads with an 87 wRC+ vs. lefties, which is why a power-hitting right-handed batter would fit in so nicely.
There aren’t many clear-cut sellers this year, so there will be competition for players. If the Guardians want to be taken seriously as a World Series challenger, however, they need to step up and pay the price for once. A right-handed hitter, a top reliever, and a depth starter are probably what separates the current team, as currently constructed, from a deep postseason run.
Having Ramirez and Martinez back certainly helps, but the Guardians still need more. Their offense is a liability, and it’s time to act. They have the prospects and the pieces to make some big trades happen.
NEXT: Guardians Make 4 Roster Moves Ahead Of Weekend Series
