With the Guardians’ disappointing 46-49 record this year, speculation about them becoming sellers keeps increasing.
They could opt to offload a couple of minor pieces or expiring contracts, such as Lane Thomas and Carlos Santana.
However, some also say they could entertain the possibility of turning some valuable assets, such as Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clase, into much-needed offensive help.
The Guardians rank near the bottom of the league in most relevant offensive categories and would be more than open to discussing the acquisition of young, impact bats.
According to field reporter Andre Knott, they won’t do it at the expense of Smith and Clase, though.
“I think they feel like they can still be in this,” Knott said.
"I think they feel like they can still be in this," – @DreKnott on how he's heard that the Guardians will NOT trade Cade Smith or Emmanuel Clase before the deadline.
FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/tuRMBq9ehn https://t.co/HY352pe3vb pic.twitter.com/3DER7cQrqE
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 17, 2025
Relievers have become an extremely valuable commodity in baseball, particularly those capable of striking out 61 hitters in 41 innings like Smith has this year, or becoming the Guardians’ all-time saves leader at 27 years old, like Clase did last season.
The Guardians themselves know how much a high-profile reliever would cost, as they paid a premium price in 2016 for Andrew Miller.
They could receive some top prospects or young MLB-caliber hitters if they decided to flip Smith or Clase, particularly if they package them together.
However, they reportedly prefer to keep their core relievers, and there is nothing wrong with that.
It’s hard to produce dominant relievers like them, and unless some team is willing to blow the Guardians away with an offer, they are better off keeping them.
They do need to get creative and find some offense if they want to have a chance this year, though.
NEXT: Insider Believes Guardians Trading Key Player 'Seems Doubtful'
