After dealing Andres Gimenez, Guardians still listening to trade offers for two key players

The Cleveland Guardians surprised everyone earlier this week when they executed a couple of trades, the most notable being the deal to trade Andres Gimenez to the Toronto Blue Jays in what was obviously a salary dump. Even though Cleveland is no longer liable for the remainder of Gimenez's contract, that does not mean they are done considering any potential trades.

According to a report from Ken Rosenthal appearing in The Athletic (subscription required), a trade of either Josh Naylor and/or Lane Thomas has not been ruled out by the Guardians, "they will continue to field offers for first baseman Josh Naylor (projected $12 million in arbitration) and outfielder Lane Thomas (projected $8.3 million).".

Listening to trade offers on key players is nothing new in Cleveland

By itself, the rumor of the Guardians willing to hear what teams have to offer for Naylor/Thomas is not surprising. Cleveland has operated in a certain manner for years now, and with both Naylor and Thomas set to become free agents after the conclusion of the 2025 season, this is just their standard operating procedure. However, these rumors should have died off with the Guardians dumping Gimenez and the remaining financial commitment that Toronto is now responsible for. They have made the new contract with Shane Bieber more financially viable with Gimenez off the books, and that should be more than enough cost-cutting for the upcoming season. That, unfortunately, does not seem to be the case, and no one should be happy with that.

If the Guardians are genuinely interested in trading one of Naylor or Thomas, it is the latter and not the former who should be moved. Naylor is essential to the Guardians and any future success they may have. Meanwhile, Thomas would be a better fit as a part-time player and not Cleveland's primary center fielder. It would be a lot easier to stomach a potential trade of Thomas, but if they move Naylor or both of these players, it would be a gut punch to not just the fanbase but the others in the clubhouse.

Ideally, the Guardians hang on to both players and look to add to the roster rather than continue to subtract from it. With that being said, they have now become somewhat unpredictable following the trade of Gimenez. Expecting the unexpected would be the best way for everyone to operate mentally until the Guardians make their next move.