For the Cleveland Guardians, it’s time to evaluate and assess their season while looking ahead to 2025.
They lost in the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, which is why they are not playing the Fall Classic this year.
They had an amazing year, though.
One of their weaknesses in the postseason was a lack of reliability in the rotation.
They did have some important contributions coming from veterans such as Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb, and will keep an eye open either to bring them back or sign or trade for similarly talented veterans.
Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, however, will prioritize player development to improve the existing talent on the roster.
“It’s so important having veteran voices in the room, especially when you have a young team. Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb certainly brought that to Cleveland. When addressing the rotation this offseason, here’s Chris Antonetti’s perspective on signing veteran arms with lots of innings under their belt vs. guys that can be here for the long haul,” Guardians insider Brendan Gulick posted on X.
It's so important having veteran voices in the room, especially when you have a young team. Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb certainly brought that to Cleveland.
When addressing the rotation this offseason, here's Chris Antonetti's perspective on signing veteran arms with lots of… pic.twitter.com/Em5UXOkkFJ
— Brendan Gulick (@brendangulick22) October 24, 2024
Antonetti praised both Cobb and Boyd and called them positive clubhouse influences, but pointed out that Cleveland’s goal is to help their pitchers reach their best version.
In theory, the Guards have a lot of starting pitching depth but for one reason or another, they couldn’t be trusted in October.
Joey Cantillo has an excellent arm but some control issues, Logan Allen has a homer problem, Triston McKenzie might not be fully healthy, and so on.
Those are the pitchers Antonetti would love to ‘rescue’ through player development.
NEXT: Guardians Manager Is Not Worried About Star Closer After Rocky Postseason
