Back in June, the Cleveland Guardians made an under-the-radar signing that has a huge impact for them in the stretch run and the postseason: they signed rehabbing starter Matthew Boyd to a one-year deal.
Then, the next month, the Guards moved swiftly to make a trade with the San Francisco Giants for right-handed starter Alex Cobb.
In both cases, the Guardians waited them out and gave them the resources to get healthy and succeed, and they did.
Both were part of the playoffs rotation and performed well, particularly Boyd.
Now, they are both free agents.
Should the Guardians arrange a reunion with both?
In both cases, it will all depend on the price, the years, and the market they might have.
However, making a push to bring them back makes perfect sense for pitching depth purposes.
The Guardians need an ace more than they require pitchers like Boyd and Cobb, but that doesn’t mean a frontline starter is the only thing in the off-season agenda.
They also need to take care of depth, and if the market gives them a chance to bring in one of Boyd or Cobb, they should pursue it.
Cobb battled multiple blister issues since he came back, but posted a 2.76 ERA in 16.1 regular season frames.
Boyd was brilliant and consistent in the regular season, with a 2.72 ERA in 39.2 innings.
Then, he went on to post a pristine 0.77 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 11.2 October innings.
That’s ace-like performance.
Boyd and Cobb are both veterans on the wrong side of 30 with a long history of injuries.
However, the team is happy with their 2024 performance and how they adapted to the roster and would be smart to consider a reunion.
NEXT: Guardians Struggling Starter Is Already Working Out With 2025 In Mind
