The Cleveland Guardians sent a warning that they are a legitimate playoff contender by taking two of three games from the New York Yankees in their just-completed series at Yankee Stadium. Leading the AL Central, the Guardians could be looking to become even more formidable before the trade deadline.
The Guardians obviously have to make the playoffs first, and they will have to either hold off the Chicago White Sox in the division or make sure they are able to earn one of the three AL wild cards. Despite things going very well so far this season, a little extra help couldn’t hurt, especially on offense.
That is why Bleacher Report is linking the Guardians to two potential trade deadline targets, veteran sluggers Christian Walker and Eugenio Suarez.
“Cleveland Guardians: Buyer,” Tim Kelly wrote. “Would the Guardians be willing to take on the $20 million owed to Christian Walker in 2027 if the Houston Astros are sellers? What about if the Cincinnati Reds fall out of the playoff mix and Eugenio Suarez is available as a rental? If the Guardians are able to add a veteran bat and get Steven Kwan back on track, they could be a tough out when the postseason rolls around.”
Both the Astros and Reds are on the fringes of playoff contention right now, and if they remain there, it is unlikely that either of the infielders would hit the market. But if Houston or Cincinnati were to be seen as non-contenders approaching the Aug. 3 deadline, Walker and Suarez could be two of the best bats available. Fortunately, the Guardians have a wealth of prospects available to build a competitive offer.
So far this season, Walker has 16 home runs in his 63 games played, which would immediately make him Cleveland’s most dangerous power hitter. The 35-year-old hit 27 homers last season for Houston, and he has one year remaining on his contract.
Suarez has not performed up to expectations after signing a one-year contract with the Reds this offseason. He hit 49 homers combined for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners last season, but the 34-year-old has just four in 36 games this year, having to deal with an early-season oblique strain.
The Guardians do not have any player with double-digit home runs this season. Angel Martinez and Jose Ramirez are tied for the team lead at nine.
Even though Kyle Manzardo has hit better lately, the Guardians could certainly use more punch from the middle of their lineup if they want to make a long postseason run.
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