The 2023 MLB season is officially over after the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series.
For the Cleveland Guardians, however, the season has been over for a while.
Another highly disappointing season from an offensive standpoint left the team with no chance of making the postseason.
As a result, the organization has one goal in mind: to bring in as many impact bats as possible in the upcoming offseason.
That means investing in free agency, getting creative in the trade market, optimizing their coaching situation to get the best from young players and hitters close to the majors, and even acquiring some lottery tickets with considerable upside.
They have already made their first move.
“We have claimed 1B/OF Alfonso Rivas on waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates,” the team announced on Twitter.
We have claimed 1B/OF Alfonso Rivas on waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/Y9EG6a0xtb
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) November 2, 2023
Rivas, 27, is a left-handed first base/outfield tweener.
He probably won’t be a regular, but he has the potential to be a useful bench piece for the Guardians if they can help him reach his potential.
The Pirates acquired him before this year’s deadline, and he posted a .741 OPS in Pittsburgh with three home runs in 40 games.
Spring training should be a crucial time for Rivas, as he will compete for a roster spot in Cleveland and for the opportunity to rack up at-bats.
Ideally, he could be a good bench player to replace the first baseman or one of the corner outfielders every once in a while.
After making his MLB debut in 2021, he has a career .673 OPS and seven home runs in 167 games.
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