Angels reported fire sale could give Guardians chance to nab much-needed power bat

The Cleveland Guardians' priority this offseason is clear: Import legitimate offensive power, especially in the outfield, to support their championship-caliber pitching staff.

This urgent need has placed the team squarely in the rumor mill, and a recent report from MLB network insider Jon Morosi, who said in a recent TV hit that the Angels are open to listening on offers for outfielders Taylor Ward and Jo Adell.

The Angels are facing yet another organizational shakeup after a disappointing 72-90 season, so them shopping either player isn't out of the realm of possibility. If that is the case, both of them being available means that the Guardians are in prime position to potentially add an established power bat into their lineup.

The Guardians could take advantage the Angels' dysfunction this offseason

The Case for Taylor Ward

Ward stands out as a more compelling fit for the Guardians. While he finished last year with a slightly low .228 batting average, he also hit 36 home runs and 103 RBI, which fits into his career numbers.

He's slugged at least 20 home runs in three of his last four seasons, and can play both corner outfield sports. He's one of the top options to fill the Guardians' black hole in right field.

He's going to be a free agent after 2026, which also aligns with the Guardians' risk management strategy.

An offer centered on a young outfielder like Petey Halpin and a pair of lower prospects would the Angels immediate value while preserving Cleveland's elite, high-end pitching depth. It would be the classic kind of Guardians move.

The Case for Jo Adell

Conversely, Adell provides some higher long-term upside. He slugged 37 home runs last year in his age-26 season and won't be a free agent until after the 2027 season. However, his higher price tag and defensive inconsistencies are significant hurdles.

Trading a prized, major-league-ready pitching prospect (the team's most valuable currency) for Adell is a major gamble on his ability to sustain the breakout and improve his glove.

He's also a bit of a late bloomer. After hitting just .214 in the first 178 games of his MLB career, he hit 20 home runs in 2024 before slashing .236/.293/.485 with 37 home runs and 98 RBI. While his on-base percentage is a huge red flag, his power is legit.

While Adell may never reach the heights people thought he'd hit when in 2020 when MLB Pipeline ranked as the Angels' No. 1 prospect and the No. 6 prospect in all of baseball, he's becoming a legitimate power threat in the outfield.

Adell's youth and team control means that his price tag will likely be a bit higher than Ward's. They'd likely demand a top-tier pitching prospect (like Doug Nikhazy or Joey Cantillo) or a middle-tier player like former top prospect George Valera.

Ultimately, the Guardians' need for immediate, proven thump and versatility makes Ward the ideal target.

By trading for Ward, the Guardians would solidify the middle of their order with a 30-homer bat on a more budget-friendly prospect package, which would allow front office to keep their most valuable pitching assets for future deals.

While Ward and Adell would have plenty of suitors in the open market, the Guardians have enough assets to make a compelling case to nab either of them.