The Cleveland Guardians are playing the waiting game at the moment.
They know they patience will be rewarded at some point.
Right now, the market at several key positions seems stalled.
After a few high-profile signings, there will be plenty of talented free agents available in January and maybe in February.
As the off-season gets deeper and closer to spring training, some of these players’ demands and asking prices will go down as we saw last season.
That would be the Guardians chance to pounce, as they still need a starter, a second baseman and a right fielder.
President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti is working with the peace of mind that having potential in-house alternatives at these positions gives him.
Right now, the top candidates to open the year at second after the Andrés Giménez trade are from the house: Juan Brito and Angel Martinez.
Brito played mostly second base in Triple-A last year but also accumulated some reps at other infield positions and even the outfield.
He is preparing for a competition for a new role: the Guardians starting second baseman.
“Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old switch-hitting (INF/OF) prospect Juan Brito putting in work at second base this morning with Jhonkensy “Big Christmas ” Noel at first base out at the organizations Dominican Academy,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old switch-hitting (INF/OF) prospect Juan Brito putting in work at second base this morning with Jhonkensy "Big Christmas " Noel at first base out at the organizations Dominican Academy. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/JPl4zxkRV4
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) December 20, 2024
You can see Noel, who has been mostly an outfielder but can also play first base in a pinch, getting reps in the cold corner just in case the organization traded Josh Naylor and needs him as a backup there.
Basically, the Guardians want and value versatility: Martinez has gotten reps at center field in addition to second, and now Noel is practicing as a first baseman, too.
Noel is one of the candidates to work as a right fielder, too.
At the end of the day, offense will likely determine all these roles.
Those who can contribute with the bat will have more of a chance to play.
NEXT: Guardians Catching Prospect Works Hard Ahead Of Key 2025 Campaign
