2024 was a season of success for the Cleveland Guardians. The transition from Terry Francona to Stephen Vogt at supervisor went even smoother than anticipated, because the staff raced previous the Minnesota Twins to win the AL Central. They made all of it the best way to the AL Championship Collection earlier than shedding to the New York Yankees. Regardless that the Guardians did not make it to the World Collection, their focus in 2025 has to undoubtedly be to at the very least get again to the heights they reached in 2024.
Swapping Josh Naylor for Carlos Santana at first base is a downgrade, and the staff nonetheless would not have a transparent substitute for Andres Gimenez at second base. Heart fielder Lane Thomas may very well be traded, and proper area wants a steady starter as nicely. Within the rotation, questions stay as nicely. Shane Bieber will probably be again ultimately, however there is no telling if he’ll ever return to his Cy Younger Award-winning heights. As for the bullpen? It is nonetheless projected to be the most effective in baseball, led by Emmanuel Clase at nearer.
Addressing a type of holes within the lineup is perhaps the easiest way to assist Cleveland get again to the postseason. As necessary as pitching is, a very good offense can bail a staff out of a variety of powerful spots. Including to a lineup that options celebrity Jose Ramirez on the core, Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti and his workers are emphasizing bettering an offense that was actually mediocre at instances. Filling the slot in proper area looks like a worthwhile endeavor. Actually, in the event that they name a fellow postseason hopeful down close to Tampa Bay, they could have the ability to discover a participant to fill the hole in entrance of the fitting area stands at Progressive Area.
Josh Lowe brings worth that Guardians covet
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Josh Lowe is a five-tool outfielder. He hits for energy and common, has good velocity, and performs strong protection as nicely. The large moments do not section him. At any time when he is been wholesome, he is performed and he is improved. He is a key a part of the Rays lineup. So, if they’re additionally chasing a postseason spot, why would the Rays commerce him? Particularly to Cleveland, a fellow playoff hopeful?
As a result of sooner relatively than later, Lowe will probably be costlier. Normally, the Rays don’t love costly gamers. They may commerce them earlier than they value an excessive amount of and discover a cheaper various. It is simply how the staff operates. The Guardians normally comply with the identical format. So, buying and selling for a participant earlier than he will get much more costly is uncommon for them. Nonetheless, on this situation, including a participant like Lowe will make them higher and extra rounded. These attributes will solely assist them of their bid for October baseball.
Would buying and selling a younger participant like Jhonkensy Noel (who has shortly develop into beloved in Cleveland) be price what Lowe can present? Would sending Noel plus one other piece (like catcher Jacob Cozart, at present at Excessive-A) get a deal accomplished? It looks like a return that the Rays, who’d like Noel’s energy and endurance, plus his persona, would chew at. Would Antonetti and his workers dive in and splurge for a change? Within the pursuit of October glory, something is feasible for the staff that calls Progressive Area dwelling.