MLB free agency is in full swing.
The Houston Astros won the 2022 World Series, and now it is time to focus on what teams will be doing to improve heading into 2023.
For the Cleveland Guardians, it was a season to remember.
Manager of the Year Terry Francona took young team and turned it into a postseason contender as the Guardians won the American League Central.
With the season now over, the Guardians turn their focus to free agency.
On Twitter, one MLB analyst highlighted what the Guardians’ biggest needs this offseason are, citing a power bat and a starting pitcher as what the team needs most.
I hear talk all the time that @CLEGuardians need an offensive catcher. I agree. But the greatest need is a power hitter in the middle of the lineup. Either a DH or in my opinion, a right-handed hitting first baseman. I'd also upgrade the rotation with a trade of Plesac.
— Bernie Pleskoff (@BerniePleskoff) November 16, 2022
Guardians Offseason Needs
The Guardians have a solid foundation in place.
With catcher Austin Hedges a free agent, there could potentially be a hole at the catcher position, if Cleveland does not retain Hedges.
But the free agent and trade markets are full of potential bats that the Guardians could bring in to strengthen their lineup.
Matt Carpenter, Nelson Cruz, Trey Mancini, and former Guardian Carlos Santana are hitters that the team could potentially target in free agency.
As for starting pitching, there isn’t a glaring need for a frontline starter, but with the struggles of Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac, a durable arm or two wouldn’t hurt.
Michael Wacha, Jose Quintana, Andrew Heaney, or Drew Smyly could potentially fill those holes.
The Guardians still have a solid foundation in place.
Their rotation already features Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie at the top, and they’ll still have Jose Ramirez, Steven Kwan, Josh Naylor, and Andres Gimenez in their lineup.
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