There is still plenty of time to go until the August 3rd MLB trade deadline, but it’s never too early to speculate. The Cleveland Guardians are sitting atop a weak AL Central division and have a golden opportunity to secure a third straight division crown and a first-round bye in an uncertain American League playoff picture if they can keep rolling through this summer.
The team already made a sneaky and surprising move by dealing for catcher Patrick Bailey weeks ago, but there is still work to be done to fortify this roster. One insider recently tossed out two names that he would like to see make their way to the team prior to August 3rd.
In a recent article for Cleveland.com, Joe Noga of the Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast suggested Colorado Rockies reliever Antonio Senzatela and Victor Vodnik would both look good in a Guardians uniform. He noted how they’d fit this bullpen well and how Vodnik throws hard and carries many years of team control, which is exactly the kind of guy the Guardians love acquiring.
“So what moves could realistically happen? Noga spotlighted two names from the Colorado Rockies; Antonio Senzatela is the headliner. He’s posting an ERA under 1.50 and projects as one of the most coveted arms available at the deadline. Victor Vodnik, another Rockies arm, throws hard and carries four years of team control — exactly the kind of currency the Guardians have always prioritized. Whether it’s Senzatella or Vodnik as bullpen support, Colorado could have exactly what Cleveland needs,” per Cleveland Baseball Talk Podcast.
Senzatela has found new life this season as a reliever, posting a 1.30 ERA thus far through 34.2 innings. Vodnik, on the other hand, has struggled mightily and has an ERA of 8.00 and is currently out dealing with an elbow issue, which is always a troubling sign.
Vodnik’s trade value could be higher than Senzatela’s due to his age, track record, and velocity. He is just 26 and while the Rockies are well out of contention already, it would likely still cost a lot to convince them to move off Vodnik at a low point performance-wise considering he has four years of control left.
Cleveland’s bullpen is already strong and projected to get even stronger once Erik Sabrowski returns. Relievers aren’t going to be a major need at the deadline for this team unless more injuries occur, but you can never have enough pitching.
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