The Cleveland Guardians managed to make it to the All-Star break still tied for first place in the AL Central. It is a promising development when you consider they have played most of the past month without star third baseman Jose Ramirez, as well as outfielder Angel Martinez, who was having his best big league season.
The Guardians have quelled some nervousness thanks to a pitching rotation that has been able to make every start this season. Combined with a strong bullpen led by closer Case Smith, it has allowed Cleveland to overcome some glaring deficiencies in its lineup.
With that in mind, franchise legend Carlos Baerga named what the Guardians need ahead of the playoffs: a veteran hitter with some big-game experience.
“That’s why I say we need one more bat in here because when we get to the playoffs, it’s a different animal that we’re playing. You have to go to war with a little bit of experience, and that’s why I’m saying we need somebody like that to help us out in the last part,” Baerga said.
"I say we need one more bat in here to get to the playoff." #GuardsBall@baerga99 wants the Guards to add another veteran presence. pic.twitter.com/yJZ9Er1g9J
— BIGPLAY Cleveland (@BIGPLAYcle) July 12, 2026
Fortunately, the Guardians are in a prime position to address that weakness at the upcoming Aug. 3 trade deadline. They have a very deep pool of prospects they can offer in a deal as they look to hold off the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins in the division.
Despite winning the AL Central in back-to-back seasons and making the postseason in four of the past six years, the Guardians have a few key players without pennant-race or playoff experience. Rookies Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana have emerged as two of their most important hitters, but they are about to face new challenges in the second half of their first full MLB season.
With veteran Steven Kwan coming off a very disappointing first half, the Guardians have relied on a breakout season from Brayan Rocchio and a surprising offensive year from veteran Austin Hedges. Despite those surprises, Cleveland ranks next to last in the majors in runs scored and OPS, and 27th in home runs.
Ramirez and Martinez are on track to potentially return before the end of the month. Ideally, the Guardians would also be able to add a right-handed hitter to better balance their lefty-heavy lineup.
With eight AL teams within five games of each other in the standings, the playoff race is likely to come down to the wire, and the Guardians could use whatever help they can get at the plate.
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