5 current free agents the Cleveland Guardians could use right now

4 of 5

The Cleveland Guardians are entering 2024 as a youthful squad with only a few veteran players of note on the roster. While the potential is there for a young team to grow together can hopefully develop into a group that can be together for multiple years down the line, there are still a few areas on the roster now that could use some help in the form of currently unsigned veteran free agents.

1. Joey Votto

With the very likely possibility that the Guardians will have first base prospect Kyle Manzardo beginning the season in Triple-A, that leaves a spot in the first base/designated hitter rotation with Josh Naylor. Someone like Votto would be a perfect addition to the Guardians lineup on a part-time basis and be a much-needed mentor to some of the younger players on the roster.

As nearly perfect as this partnership would seem, it is incredibly difficult to see Votto playing for a team other than the Cincinnati Reds. In fact, there is still a possibility that Votto could return to Cincinnati this season and continue his storied career. But if Votto is open to putting on a uniform of a different team, the Guardians would be wise to reach out and give him a call.

2. Cody Bellinger

The longer that Cody Bellinger remains a free agent, the better the chance that he is going to take a short deal with the opportunity to re-enter free agency after the conclusion of the 2024 season. This is exactly the type of free-agent situation that is perfect for the Cleveland Guardians to jump on. Taking on a large salary for just one season for a very talented player without worrying about being on the hook for a large financial commitment in future years. It is that last part that should be particularly appealing to the Guardians, just in case Bellinger were to revert to his 2020-22 performance level instead of seeing his 2023 resurgence with the Cubs continue.

As ideal as this pairing seems, it does not appear all that likely to happen, which is really unfortunate considering Cleveland's lack of power in their lineup, specifically their outfield. Bellinger is the type of bat that could help transform this lineup and add some much-needed length, it is just a shame that a high-priced option like his is pretty much off the table before any genuine conversations could really start. While the saying of never say never is valid, do not get your hopes up for the Guardians to make an addition that is clearly out of their comfort zone.

3. CJ Cron

This fits in the same mold as the idea of Joey Votto from the first slide. If the Cleveland Guardians are absolutely committed to having Kyle Manzardo start in Triple-A, why not take a chance on a right-handed bat with some pop who can share time at first and DH with Josh Naylor?

The power output from CJ Cron may have taken a dip last season, and that dip turned into a crater in his return to the Los Angeles Angels late last season. With that being said, this is the perfect type of low-cost lottery ticket that the Guardians could get some use out of while they proceed to have Idaho -native Manzardo avoid hitting in the harsh cold of Cleveland early on in the year.

Is it possible that the 34-year-old Cron's production at the plate has run out, and he is no longer capable of hitting close to 30 home runs per year? Sure, but why not find out if there is anything left in the tank that Cleveland may find useful? There are a lot worse options the Guardians could turn to for early season at-bats if they are committed to Manzardo starting the year in Columbus.

4. Adam Duvall

Veteran? Check. Outfielder? Check. Hits for power? Check. 35-year-old free agent Adam Duvall checks off the necessary boxes that would make him an ideal fit for the Cleveland Guardians this season.

Nobody is really expecting any of the Guardians outfielders to hit close to or more than 20 home runs this season. 10 might even be a stretch if everything goes right in 2024. That is why taking the opportunity to add some home run power to a group that possesses little to none of it would be a smart decision by Cleveland's front office.

Is Duvall likely to eclipse 30 home runs this season or in the future? Probably not. However, this is a lineup that lacks power in the outfield and needs to be remedied. While the Guardians do have a couple of prospects in the minors with power in their profile, there is some concern about their strikeout rate and ability to consistently put the ball in play. With that information being factored into the equation, it may be better for the Guardians to bring someone in with a proven track record rather than rely on options with obvious flaws in their approach to be something they're not.

5. Brandon Belt

If the Cleveland Guardians are interested in raising the talent floor of their major league roster and reducing the overall level of variance in their play, Brandon Belt could be an option. Belt has proven to be a relatively steady bat in his career, and that could provide some stability to a Guardians lineup that could use a little more of it.

The former San Francisco Giant spent last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, and the move from the spacious National League West to the home-run-friendly American League East appeared to pay off. Belt finished with the second-highest home run total of his career with 19 in 103 games, 10 shy of his career-high of 29 that came in an injury-shortened 2021 campaign (97 games).

While asking for a 20+ home run campaign in 2024 may be pushing it a bit due to his advanced age (35, turning 36 in April), there is still a world where he can eclipse double-digits and get close to 20 again. Belt's home run total has lived in the teens for the majority of his career, and adding that to this current version of the Guardians would be more impactful than some may realize.