The Cleveland Guardians had an amazing season despite having their top two starters available for most of the year.
Shane Bieber blew out his elbow in April, and Triston McKenzie battled stuff and control issues nearly all season.
Even with that being the case, they made it all the way to the AL Championship, a testament of their depth, player development excellence, and scouting eye among other teams.
They are a couple of additions away from being considered AL favorites, but they do need to make those moves to get to the next level.
What are the Guardians’ top offseason priorities?
The analysts over at the BIGPLAY Cleveland Show weighed in.
“What should the Guardians top priority be this offseason? “Re-sign Shane Bieber.” -@Reflog_18. “Don’t be complacent… spend a little bit of money.” -@NickPedone12,” they posted on X.
What should the Guardians top priority be this offseason?
"Re-sign Shane Bieber."
"Don't be complacent… spend a little bit of money."
Low energy? Free consult @AffinityWH: https://t.co/enuwkkANGK pic.twitter.com/dLIvJyaJXr
— BIGPLAY Cleveland Show (@BIGPLAYCLEshow) October 26, 2024
Bieber is a certified ace, with a Cy Young under his belt, multiple games in the playoffs and incredible stuff.
The only problem is that since he got Tommy John surgery in April, he won’t be available for the start of 2025 and could miss a lot of time next year.
The best idea for everyone involved would be bringing him back on a two-year deal, at least.
In reality, the Guardians top off-season priorities are two: top starters and a reliable, proven corner outfielder.
In the postseason, we saw how Cleveland’s mediocre rotation forced the bullpen into action too many times and for too long, exposing them to being overly scouted/studied by the rival and tiring them out.
Right field is also a position that should be improved.
Cleveland has plenty of time to figure out solutions, but even if they bring in another top starters via free agency or trade, re-signing Bieber makes sense.
NEXT: Guardians Could Lose Bench Coach To NL East Team
