The Cleveland Guardians are already in off-season mode.
They were one series win away from playing in the Fall Classic, have a top farm system and a few young stars supporting an elite talent (Jose Ramirez), so it’s fair to say they are, organizationally, in a good spot.
However, they need to make a few moves to make that leap and fight with the elite.
Before focusing on the free agent or trade markets, Cleveland should take a look at their own group of players hitting the market.
According to team insider Zack Meisel, there is mutual interest in four specific names.
“Guardians stuff…*Intend to bring back the whole coaching staff unless someone gets promotion elsewhere. *David Fry will meet w/ Dr. Keith Meister next week about his elbow. *Some mutual interest between club and FA Shane Bieber, Matthew Boyd, Alex Cobb, Austin Hedges,” Meisel posted on X.
Guardians stuff…
*Intend to bring back the whole coaching staff unless someone gets promotion elsewhere
*David Fry will meet w/ Dr. Keith Meister next week about his elbow
*Some mutual interest between club and FA Shane Bieber, Matthew Boyd, Alex Cobb, Austin Hedges
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) October 22, 2024
While the coaching staff nugget is, and should be, of high interest (as is Fry’s health, too), it’s obvious that fans’ attention will be directed to the last one: the potential free agents.
Bieber could return at some point in 2025 after early-season elbow surgery.
A two-year deal in the Brandon Woodruff mold would make sense for him to re-establish his value.
Boyd and Cobb were valuable additions to the Guardians rotation in the first half and even started games in the postseason.
The former was particularly successful, and a reunion with both would make sense.
Hedges is a fine backup catcher and there should be mutual interest in a reunion.
If Cleveland manages to re-sign all of them, it should be considered an off-season victory.
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Be the first to comment