The Cleveland Guardians traded away two expensive players in outfielder Myles Straw and second baseman Andrés Giménez.
Conventional wisdom says that they freed up some money to re-invest in the roster.
However, to this point, most of their free agent acquisitions have been of the cheap or short-term variety.
Will the Guardians sign a relevant free agent or two with the money they saved?
Guardians insider Paul Hoynes offered his two cents on the matter, saying that any expenses at this point are more likely to come via extensions rather than free agents.
“I think that boat has sailed. The free-agent shelves have been picked pretty clean. I would think if they spent any of the money they saved during the offseason, it would be on extensions,” Hoynes wrote.
Indeed, there aren’t many truly impactful free agents in the positions that Cleveland could use an injection of talent: right field, second base, and starting pitching.
The team also has talented young players competing for starting gigs at all those spots.
It’s clear that the Guardians bet on youth and talent.
That’s precisely why they extended Straw and Giménez back in the day in the first place.
The former just didn’t pan out, while the latter at least became an elite defender despite the limited offensive output.
Among Cleveland’s most notable extension candidates, there is Steven Kwan, Tanner Bibee, or one of their elite relievers on rookie deals.
The Guardians have been known for striking extension deals in March, so fans should really pay attention this month.
There could be some exciting news brewing.
NEXT: Guardians Insider Offers Update On Shane Bieber
