The Cleveland Guardians have been much better than expected in 2024.
They not only lead the AL Central, but they also boast the best record in the American League at 63-42.
They are fresh off winning a series on the road against MLB’s best squad, the Philadelphia Phillies, even with a lot of question marks in their rotation and an offense that has somewhat struggled to score runs recently.
The Guards have MLB’s best bullpen, but their rotation is mediocre at best.
That’s where they need to direct the most resources ahead of the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need players elsewhere.
Their outfield, for example, only has one difference-maker: Steven Kwan.
Angel Martinez, Jhonkensy Noel, Tyler Freeman, and Will Brennan rotate over the remaining two spots.
They could definitely use a player back there, and according to St. Louis Cardinals insider John Denton, Cleveland is interested in one of their outfielders.
“#STLCards OF Dylan Carlson is drawing interest from the #Guardians #Angels and #Nats, per a source. The Cards still need to clear a roster spot after trading for RHP Erick Fedde and OF/DH Tommy Pham,” he tweeted.
#STLCards OF Dylan Carlson is drawing interest from the #Guardians #Angels and #Nats, per a source. The Cards still need to clear a roster spot after trading for RHP Erick Fedde and OF/DH Tommy Pham.
Carlson on wanting to stay in STL and wanting to play:
(1/2, more)
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) July 29, 2024
Carlson should be relatively easy to acquire.
However, questions remain about his ability to make a difference in an MLB game.
He has top prospect pedigree but has accumulated 447 MLB games and his OPS is a rather mediocre .700.
Is he really the type of player the Guardians should be targeting?
It all depends on the price.
If all he costs is a B-level prospect, then it’s a worthwhile gamble.
That probably won’t be the case, though.
He does have upside, but has been one of MLB’s worst players in the last two years and has a .515 OPS this season, in 59 contests.
Maybe the Guards want him as a reclamation project, but they should be aiming a little higher in this case.
NEXT: Guardians Insider Criticizes Lack Of Urgency Ahead Of Deadline
