Updates and Insights on the Guardians: Broadcast Deal, Free Agency Outlook, Player Signings, and Prospects
Evan Drellich of the Athletic has provided a follow-up to his earlier report indicating that the Guardians and Bally Sports are nearing an agreement on a one-year broadcast deal for their games. In his subsequent report, it’s revealed that the team will receive 85% or more of the $60 million owed for the season.
It’s unclear just how much the Guardians and Rangers will have their 2024 rights fees reduced, but a person briefed on the league’s thinking said it would be 15 percent or less. https://t.co/aT9hanyLlP
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) January 31, 2024
In my personal opinion, I’m skeptical that this development will prompt the Guardians to actively pursue available free agents such as Jorge Soler, J.D. Martinez, or Tommy Pham. However, it may create an opportunity for modest contract extension discussions for a couple of Guardians in the Spring, contingent upon the team’s assessment of the long-term stability of TV/streaming revenue. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t hold high expectations for such negotiations.
The Guardians have made a noteworthy addition by signing right-handed relief pitcher Tyler Zuber to a minor-league deal. Zuber, who is recovering from shoulder surgery in 2023, has demonstrated impressive strikeout rates in both minor and major league settings. However, he has also struggled with a high walk rate. Despite these challenges, the Guardians seem optimistic about Zuber’s potential, especially after his offseason training at Driveline. It’s likely that they believe they can refine his skills, given his background as a former Royals pitcher.
Congrats to Tyler Zuber on signing with the Guardians from Pro Day! 🙌 Looking forward to seeing all of Tyler's hard work from this off-season out on the field this year 👍️ pic.twitter.com/ppEbHXUGDF
— Driveline Baseball (@DrivelineBB) February 1, 2024
Among the minor-league signings, Zuber and Barria stand out as particularly intriguing pitching prospects. It would be advantageous to see both pitchers remain with the organization in some capacity as the season begins, provided they demonstrate good health during spring training.
Kiley McDaniel’s recent release of ESPN’s Top 100 Prospect Rankings featured Chase DeLauter ranked 42nd, Brayan Rocchio 79th, Kyle Manzardo 83rd, and Daniel Espino 92nd. McDaniel speculated that DeLauter could potentially reach the major leagues by the end of the 2024 season and drew comparisons between Kyle Manzardo and Nate Lowe. Notably, both Rocchio and Manzardo are now eligible to earn the Guardians a compensation draft pick if they make the team’s roster out of spring training and subsequently win the AL Rookie of the Year award. I hope both players receive genuine opportunities to secure spots on the 26-man roster during Spring Training. However, it’s important to emphasize that their success will depend on the effort they put in and the skills they demonstrate, rather than solely on box score results.
Finally, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com has raised concerns about the starting pitching depth for the 2024 Guardians. This highlights a potential area of vulnerability for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
