The Cleveland Guardians finally broke their ten-game losing streak by beating the scorching hot Houston Astros. But, while a nice bounce-back from a rough stretch, there are still major issues plaguing the team in 2025.
For MLB.com beat reporter Tim Stebbins, the Guardians have a clear need at the MLB trade deadline, even if they aren't prototypical buyers. Stebbins points towards a controllable right-handed hitting offensive bat as the team's top need.
"Any upgrade for the Guardians must start with a hitter who can help for the rest of 2025 and in the coming seasons," Stebbins writes, "And preferably someone who can help against lefties."
With the offense in Cleveland being among the worst in baseball this season, their recent stretch is making a case that they're the worst overall.
"The Guardians' offense has been the worst in the Majors since June 1," Stebbins writes, "Entering Monday, Cleveland ranks last in the Majors in runs (81), average (.203), on-base percentage (.323), and wRC+ (67)."
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This lack of offensive production makes the need in Cleveland clear. The offense is in dire need of an upgrade, and one of the main areas to address is a right-handed hitting batter, as against lefties, since June 1st, the Guardians have an OPS of .601.
But, due to the team's losing streak, a righty bat can't be a rental. They need to target a player who can be around for the next few seasons, as well as help in 2025.
While the 2025 season isn't over yet, the Guardians can't buy a rental, as the future is more of the team's domain than the 2025 season is. Mortgaging the future for a rental, when the roster is hitting like it is, would be foolish.
Instead, as Stebbins identified, an offensive addition for the next few years is the key player to target at the deadline. While the Guardians might not be typical buyers, adding a right-handed bat for the next couple of seasons would be a nice move to make at this year's trade deadline.
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