The Cleveland Guardians’ 2026 season basically hinges on how aggressive the team is before the August 3 deadline. Every year, they reach the deadline with multiple needs, and every year, fans come out of it disappointed and with the feeling that more could and should have been done.
This time, however, the 2026 campaign has a chance to be special. At least a chance. With Jose Ramirez still in his prime and about to return from injury, a few breakout rookies, and Brayan Rocchio finally maturing into a reliable everyday contributor, Cleveland’s excellent pitching staff should have enough support from the offense to reach new heights.
That’s in theory, though. On the field, however, the Guardians’ offense is in the bottom third of the league.
The Guardians’ outfield problems are well documented by this point. At least Steven Kwan has started hitting again to somewhat make up for Angel Martinez’s absence due to injury, and Chase DeLauter remains excellent.
First base, however, has become a real problem. Kyle Manzardo is not the same hitter that raised eyebrows last year with 27 home runs and a 113 wRC+, as he is slashing a disappointing .208/.301/.348 with an 86 wRC+ and 10 long balls this season, before Monday’s games.
Additionally, Rhys Hoskins was sporting a below-average 93 wRC+ before his big day on Monday, which came from the DH spot. The Guardians have gotten awful production from first base this season, as they were 26th out of 30 MLB teams with an 88 wRC+ from that position through Sunday’s games.
Evidently, something has got to give. One of the potential in-house alternatives, CJ Kayfus, recently underwent season-ending ankle surgery. Ralphy Velazquez, currently hitting .273 with a 107 wRC+ in Triple-A, could potentially get his chance if the Guardians decide to move on from Manzardo.
The Guardians know what a healthy, locked-in Manzardo can be much better than this, so they are being patient with him and giving him every chance to rebound. It hasn’t happened yet, though.
At this point, if Cleveland won’t trust Velazquez, a trade for a first baseman could be the answer. Luis Garcia Jr., who has 20 home runs and a 130 wRC+ for the Washington Nationals through Sunday, could make plenty of sense.
Other options include Willson Contreras, T.J. Rumfield, and Christian Walker. Depending on how much the Guardians are willing to pay in terms of prospect capital, one of these players can be theirs.
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