The Cleveland Guardians Must Prioritize Adding a Starting Pitcher via Trade

Through the first 50 games of 2024, the Cleveland Guardians have emerged as one of baseball’s top teams, boasting a 33-17 record and leading the American League Central division. Fresh off a perfect 6-0 homestand that included back-to-back series sweeps, the Guardians are clearly rebounding from last year’s disappointing season and are expected to be active buyers at the trade deadline. While the idea of adding a big bat like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is exciting, the Guardians have a more urgent need: starting pitching.

The Guardians’ rotation has been hit hard by injuries. Gavin Williams has yet to make his 2024 debut, Shane Bieber is out for the season after just two starts, and Carlos Carrasco is sidelined with a neck injury. Despite their impressive performance so far, relying on an incomplete rotation is risky and could hinder their success as the season progresses.

Currently, Tanner Bibee, Triston McKenzie, and Ben Lively have been the pillars of the Guardians’ rotation, each sporting an ERA below 4.00, with Lively impressively under 3.00. However, Lively’s unexpected effectiveness might not last as teams adjust, and it’s crucial for the Guardians to have a contingency plan. Bibee and McKenzie are expected to maintain or improve their performance, which will be essential if Lively faces any regression.

In the past, the Guardians could call up talented pitchers from their minor league system to seamlessly replace injured players. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, as the next wave of promising pitchers is still a few years away.

To sustain their strong start and achieve their high aspirations this season, the Guardians need to reinforce their starting rotation. While adding a powerful hitter would undoubtedly boost their postseason chances, securing a reliable starting pitcher is paramount. Teams with subpar rotations often face early playoff exits, a fate the Guardians must avoid. By acquiring a middle to top-of-the-rotation starter, they can capitalize on their young and productive roster and continue to surprise the league with their performance.

Potential Starting Pitcher Targets for the Cleveland Guardians to Bolster Their Rotation

The Cleveland Guardians should prioritize adding a starting pitcher who can immediately bolster their rotation and provide stability through the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. Here are a few potential candidates they might target based on current performance, availability, and potential fit:

1. Marcus Stroman (Chicago Cubs) – Stroman has been a reliable starter with a strong track record. His ability to induce ground balls and keep the ball in the park could be a perfect fit for the Guardians, especially considering their solid infield defense.

2. Lucas Giolito (Chicago White Sox) – Giolito has had some ups and downs, but his potential as a top-of-the-rotation starter is undeniable. If the White Sox are willing to part with him, he could provide the Guardians with a powerful arm capable of shutting down opposing lineups.

3. Kyle Hendricks (Chicago Cubs) – Known for his control and consistency, Hendricks could be a stabilizing presence in the Guardians’ rotation. His experience and ability to pitch deep into games would be valuable assets.

4. Tyler Mahle (Minnesota Twins) – Mahle has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a solid addition for the Guardians. His ability to strike out batters and limit walks makes him an attractive trade target.

5. Zac Gallen (Arizona Diamondbacks) – Gallen has established himself as one of the premier young pitchers in the league. Acquiring him would likely require a significant package of prospects, but his talent and long-term control could be worth the investment.

These pitchers represent a mix of established veterans and rising stars, all of whom could address the Guardians’ need for a reliable starting pitcher. The exact choice would depend on availability, trade cost, and how well they fit into the team’s long-term plans.