The Cleveland Guardians could use a potent bat, preferably one who can play the outfield.
With Steven Kwan in left and Lane Thomas in center field, they still have to solve right field.
Yes, they have some internal options in Jhonkensy Noel, Will Brennan, and uber-prospect Chase DeLauter, but the first two are a bit inconsistent and the latter might not be ready for The Show when the 2025 season starts.
Ideally, they would acquire a slugger like Brent Rooker to strengthen the lineup and give themselves another right field option.
Rooker is more of a designated hitter, but he is capable of playing both outfield corners and the Guardians would surely love to add his 39 home runs and .927 OPS to their lineup.
It could be challenging, though, as the Athletics reportedly don’t want to trade him.
“Brent Rooker trade speculation ended today. A’s GM David Forst: “We’re going to keep (Rooker),” MLB insider Jon Heyman posted on X.
Brent Rooker trade speculation ended today. A’s GM David Forst: “ We’re going to keep (Rooker)”.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 5, 2024
Rooker is actually one of the precious few trade pieces the A’s possess.
What Heyman reported could be just posturing, though, to let teams know that he won’t go via trade or at least will require a king’s ransom in return if they are going to deal him.
It’s a logical move by Forst and the Athletics, though: if they are trading Rooker eventually, they are not lowering his perceived trade value by admitting they are actually going through with it.
The A’s were better than anticipated in 2024, but aren’t particularly close to contention and could consider flipping their slugger for the right return.
The Guardians have the farm system depth and quality to pull off a trade for Rooker.
Will they?
NEXT: Impressive Young Guardians Prospect Could Make Pro Debut Next Season
