The Cleveland Guardians are in the thick of the playoff race at the moment. They’re currently in second place in the American League Central, but still have plenty of time to make a push for the divisional crown. The trade deadline is only a few days away, and the Guardians are expected to be actively looking to add talent.
Insider Andre Knott believes that the Guardians could make a huge splash at the trade deadline this year.
“I was told by a source, who will not be revealed, that they’re going to do something,” Knott said.
"I was told by a source, who will not be revealed, that they're going to do something," – @DreKnott on the Guardians at the trade deadline 👀 pic.twitter.com/hY1iWC8xp8
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 31, 2026
The Guardians desperately need to make a move for a hitter at the deadline. Knott believes that this team is going to trade for a legitimate bat at the deadline, but we’ll believe it when it happens.
The pitching staff has been carrying this team basically all season long. The offense has mostly been non-existent, but they’re still in contention for a playoff spot because of both the starting rotation and the bullpen. The front office needs to reward this pitching staff by getting them some help offensively.
The lineup has struggled to consistently produce, and the lack of power has been a problem as well. There aren’t many viable options in the minor leagues that could help this team in a major way this season. The front office needs to make a major splash to ideally add a right-handed power hitter.
The ideal fit would be a player such as George Springer or Lane Thomas. A right-handed power stick that can play outfield is the biggest hole on this team right now. The lackluster year by Steven Kwan has certainly not helped matters at all.
The Guardians have something that many teams are seeking right now: catching. Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges have turned into a nice tandem behind the plate for Cleveland.
With them holding down the fort, the Guardians could potentially deal Bo Naylor or Cooper Ingle for an outfield bat at the deadline. The front office can’t sit on their hands and waste the stellar pitching the Guardians have received this season.
They need to capitalize on this opportunity and add help to this lineup for a legitimate deep playoff run.
NEXT: Analyst Names Guardians' All-Time Worst Trade Deadline Move
