• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cleveland Daily

Cleveland Sports News, Rumors & Highlights

  • Home
  • Guardians News
  • Cavs News
  • Browns News
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About

Report: Guardians Unlikely To Be Big Spenders This Winter

By Spencer Richardson August 14, 2022

Andres Gimenez #0 of the Cleveland Guardians (center) is congratulated by teammates after he hit a grand slam home run against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum on April 29, 2022 in Oakland, California
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

 

At the trade deadline, the Guardians faced a choice.

Do they go all in with this young core, mashing the “buy buy buy” button and cashing in their young studs for proven vets?

Or do they continue evaluating their young talent and loaded farm system in preparation to compete for years to come?

Ultimately, the Guardians chose option number two.

And so far, it’s worked out.

The youngsters are proving their might with guys like Andrés Giménez, Josh Naylor, Amed Rosario, Steven Kwan, and Oscar Gonzalez all a huge reason why the Guardians stand atop the AL Central.

But eventually, the team will need to upgrade in a few key areas.

Right?

Not so fast.

 

No Avalance This Winter

The thinking at the trade deadline went like this.

Why should the Guardians buy now when most of their targets would still be available come the winter?

Plus, the team could take advantage of free agency, using whatever money it has then rather than now.

GOT 'EM. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/xKYGzHnq6X

— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) August 13, 2022

But the Guardians aren’t necessarily expected to be major players this winter, either.

According to Paul Hoynes of cleveland.com, the offseason might be just as quiet as the trade deadline:

“They could use some power for sure. But as we saw last offseason and at the trade deadline a few weeks ago, they’re not going to do anything to get in the way of their young players. They might already have the power they’re looking in Oscar Gonzalez, Nolan Jones or Will Benson.

“I don’t think you’re going to see a wild spree of additions and subtractions this winter.”

How likely is it that Benson, Gonzalez, or Jones could be that power hitter for the Guardians?

Jones showed some big-league pop in his 26 games in the majors this season, but his 21 hits against just two homers projects to be more of the hit-for-contact prototype we’ve seen this season.

Ditto for Andrés Giménez, whose 12 homers and .482 slugging are admirable, but not yet the caliber of a pro-power bat.

For the record, that’s not a knock against Giménez — he’s in the midst of a breakout All-Star season.

Benson, on the other hand, went for 22 homers in back-to-back seasons in the minors a few campaigns ago.

In 89 games with AAA Columbus this season, Benson’s managed 17 long balls.

Of anyone currently on the Guardians, only José Ramirez is slugging higher than .500 (.545).

It’s a testament to the lack of power on the roster.

 

Catching Cold

One position the Guardians need the most help at is catcher.

But once again, don’t expect the Guardians to look externally for options to replace Austin Hedges:

“I think Hedges or Luke Maile would be a great tutor for Naylor. The Guardians think Naylor is ready for the big leagues defensively, and he’s been putting his offensive game together this year with a strong showing at Class AA Akron and Class AAA Columbus.”

At some point, the Guardians will have to make some sort of move.

Tired of nobody nationally pushing the Kwan/Rookie of Year narrative.

Let's change that, @MLB. Dude is legit.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/0K9flMwRwu

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 12, 2022

The farm is loaded with talent but has few spots in the majors to fit everyone.

Perhaps that means offloading youngsters for other youngsters or cash.

But either way, too much young talent isn’t a bad problem to have.

    Get ALL the latest Cleveland sports news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cleveland daily newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Cleveland Guardians Rumors And News (Updated Daily) Tagged With: cleveland guardians

Reader Interactions

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Cleveland Guardians News

Military aircraft fly over Progressive Field during the national anthem prior to the home opener of the Cleveland Guardians against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Giants defeated the Guardians 4-1.

Top Guardians Prospect Falls In Latest Rankings

6 months ago

Andres Gimenez #0 of the Cleveland Guardians (center) is congratulated by teammates after he hit a grand slam home run against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum on April 29, 2022 in Oakland, California

What To Watch For As The Guardians Face Tough Schedule Stretch

6 months ago

baseball on field

Does The MLB Owe The Guardians An Apology?

6 months ago

Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cleveland Guardians watches from the dugout during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field on May 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Guardians Rated Highly In Latest Power Rankings By MLB Insiders

6 months ago

Emmanuel Clase #48 and Josh Naylor #22 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrate after the final out of their MLB game victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on August 14, 2022 in Toronto, Canada.

What’s Behind The Guardians’ Recent Winning Streak?

6 months ago

Austin Hedges #17 celebrates with teammate Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians after beating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.

3 Surprising Guardians Stats With 50 Games Left

6 months ago

Luke Maile #12 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly to defeat the Oakland Athletics at Progressive Field on June 10, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the Athletics 3-2.

MLB Insider "Sells" Deep Guardians Playoff Run

6 months ago

Military aircraft fly over Progressive Field during the national anthem prior to the home opener of the Cleveland Guardians against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Giants defeated the Guardians 4-1.

Fans React To Guardians Moving To First In The Division

6 months ago

Franmil Reyes #32 of the Cleveland Guardians singles off Lucas Giolito of the Chicago White Sox in the seventh inning at Progressive Field on July 13, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The White Sox defeated the Guardians 2-1.

What's Next After Franmil Reyes DFA?

6 months ago

Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Progressive Field on August 03, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Could Shane Bieber Be On The Move This Winter?

6 months ago

Outfielders Alex Call #65 Myles Straw #7 and Nolan Jones #33 of the Cleveland Guardians run in after the Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on July 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the Tigers 10-0.

Solving The Guardians' Logjam At Right Field

6 months ago

baseball on field

Report: Guardians Pursuit Of Deadline Target Fell Apart Over Prospects

6 months ago

Military aircraft fly over Progressive Field during the national anthem prior to the home opener of the Cleveland Guardians against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Giants defeated the Guardians 4-1.

What Is The Guardians Outlook After A Quiet Trade Deadline?

6 months ago

Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals looks on during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 06, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Is Daniel Espino Too High A Price For Juan Soto?

6 months ago

Alex Call #65 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammates after scoring in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on July 31, 2022 in St Petersburg, Florida.

Fans React To Guardians Win Versus Rays

6 months ago

Josh Naylor #22 of the Cleveland Guardians flips his bat after hitting a RBI single in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox during game one of a doubleheader at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 23, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

How Josh Naylor’s Injury Affects Guardians’ Trade Deadline Plans

6 months ago

Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics bats against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on July 10, 2022 in Oakland, California.

Report: Oakland's Sean Murphy A Guardians "Top Target"

6 months ago

Austin Hedges #17 celebrates with teammate Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians after beating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.

What To Watch For In Guardians Series Versus Rays

6 months ago

Starting pitcher Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on June 14, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

What Is Shane Bieber's Value?

6 months ago

Pitcher Logan Allen #54 of the Cleveland Indians throws in the bullpen during summer workouts at Progressive Field on July 06, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio.

2 Bullpen Targets For Guardians At Trade Deadline

6 months ago

Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs smiles during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Guardians Among "Most Likely" Trade Destinations For Cubs' Contreras

6 months ago

Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 06, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.

What Is Shane Bieber's Future In Cleveland?

6 months ago

Tim Anderson #7 of the Chicago White Sox slides home to score in the fifth inning against Luke Maile #12 of the Cleveland Guardians during game two of a double header at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 23, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Fans React To Guardians Doubleheader Versus White Sox

6 months ago

Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals looks on during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 06, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Should the Guardians Have Interest In Juan Soto?

6 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search Cleveland Daily

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - ClevelandDaily.com is not affiliated with the Cleveland Indians or Major League Baseball.