Expectations for the Guardians This Offseason After Justin Bruihl’s Addition
The Guardians currently have a full roster of 40 players, which includes 21 pitchers and 19 hitters. There seems to be limited flexibility on the pitching front, aside from potential trades. Any new signings for position players would necessitate designating for assignment players like Daniel Schneemann, Gabriel Arias, Johnathan Rodriguez, or Nolan Jones. Jones recently secured a $2M agreement to avoid arbitration, which complicates matters. It’s plausible that the team thinks Jones might clear waivers, effectively offering them an additional minor league option, but such a move might be postponed until the end of spring training.
It appears unlikely that Schneemann or Arias will be cut due to their defensive versatility, particularly given the shortage of capable shortstop players in the system. Additionally, with Jhonkensy Noel designated for assignment, cutting Rodriguez seems improbable, especially given the limited right-handed hitters on the roster (only four, along with four switch-hitters, one being Rocchio, who hasn’t performed well from the right side).
In summary, if the Guardians aim to make a substantial move related to hitting, it’s likely they will seek a trade involving prospects such as Juan Brito, George Valera, Petey Halpin, Khalil Watson, or C.J. Kayfus, depending on the incoming player. While trading a pitcher is a possibility, it would likely involve someone not currently on the 40-man roster, similar to previous trades involving Alex Cobb or Lane Thomas.
The Guardians clearly recognize the urgent need to bolster their outfield, specifically looking for depth, particularly in right-handed hitters who can potentially cover center field. They should also be aware of the necessity to upgrade the right-handed slugger position at first base or DH.
Here are some right-handed hitting players to keep an eye on, most of whom can play center field:
- Davis Schneider, OF (not a center fielder), Blue Jays, 26, team control through 2029, 105 wRC+ vs. LHP – Moderately Available
- Ryan Mountcastle, 1B, Orioles, 28, team control through 2026, career 124 wRC+ vs. LHP – Very Available
- Yandy Diaz, DH, Rays, $9M for 2026 with a $13M vesting option for 2027, 34, career 150 wRC+ vs. LHP – Moderately Available
- Luis Robert, CF, White Sox, 28, owed $20M for 2026, 140 wRC+ vs. LHP – Very Available
- Jo Adell, OF (not a center fielder), Angels, 26, team control through 2027, 105 wRC+ vs. LHP – Difficult to Acquire
- Jake Meyers, CF, Astros, team control through 2027, 110 wRC+ vs. LHP – Difficult to Acquire
- Colby Thomas, OF, Athletics, 24, 136 wRC+ vs. LHP last season – Unclear Availability
- Dane Myers, OF, Marlins, 29, team control through 2029, 126 wRC+ vs. LHP – Moderately Available
- Willson Contreras, 1B/C, Cardinals, 34, owed $18M AAV for 2026-2027, 135 wRC+ vs. RHP – Available if he waives his no-trade clause
- Jacob Young, CF, Nationals, 26, team control through 2029, 84 wRC+ vs. LHP – Unclear Availability
- Alex Call, OF, Dodgers, 31, team control through 2029, 108 wRC+ vs. LHP – Moderately Available
By January, it’s likely one of these teams will see the merit in trading a couple of Guardians’ prospects for one of these players. While it may not be as thrilling as acquiring Contreras or Diaz, even snagging a player like Myers, Meyers, Call, or Mountcastle would be exciting for the Guardians. Alternatively, Spring Training may find fans hoping Angel Martinez has improved his plate discipline and defensive skills, and that David Fry from early 2023 can return while C.J. Kayfus makes notable progress.
