5 teams the Guardians should consider as potential trade partners

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The Cleveland Guardians are looking to add at the deadline rather than sell according to reports. This means that they are going have to find a trade partner in order to address their needs as described by President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti as "a starting pitcher" and "complimentary bat". But who could those teams be? Here are some options that Cleveland should consider having trade discussions with before next week's deadline.

Seattle Mariners

Let's get this out of the way first. The Seattle Mariners are the most unpredictable team when it comes to the trade deadline. Seattle's President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto always seems to find a way to get involved when the trade market becomes the most active. At times Dipoto appears to be making trades for the sake of making trades.

With the deadline rapidly approaching and the Guardians finding themselves in a spot where they should be at least moderately active, they should at least contact the Mariners to see if there is any mutual interest between the two ballclubs.

Even if it just laying the framework for a deal that requires one or more additional teams to complete, there is no harm in contacting a team willing to wheel and deal at a moment's notice.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are in third place of the National League Central division and they currently trail by 5.5 games for the final Wild Card spot. With the odds seemingly stacked against them for posteason play in 2023, calling them about two players who they made lottery ticket deals with this past offseason would be well worth the Guardians' time. Those players? Cody Bellinger and Trey Mancini, a s the former has a mutual option for 2024 and the latter has a player option.

While Bellinger may be a bit of pipe dream for Cleveland, it is still worth making an inquiry. The former Dodger appears to remember how to swing a bat after struggling for several years in Los Angeles. Bellinger would certainly be considered more than the complimentary bat type mentioned by Antonetti, but it would certainly help bring some thump to their light-hitting outfield.

Mancini seems to be the more attainable of the two, but his continuing drop of innings in the outfield may be a reason why Cleveland does not pursue this option. Cleveland already has the combination of Josh Naylor and Josh Bell occupying first base and the designated hitter position most days as is. Barring an injury or a level of confidence in his abiilty in the outfield, Mancini does not seem to be the most likely option to land via trade for Cleveland at this time, but never say never.

St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis is a team where the Guardians appear to have plenty of options. USA Today's Bob Nightengale has reported that there are a sizeable portion of players who could be gone sometime soon.

So, starters Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty, each who are eligible for free agency in November, could be gone. Closer Jordan Hicks and perhaps injured reliever Ryan Helsley. Infielders Tommy Edman and Paul DeJong could be gone too. And outfielders Dylan Carlson and Tyler O’Neill better not send out their laundry, either.
Bob Nightengale on the Cardinals

Starting pitcher? Check. Complimentary bat? Also check. Even though it was not mentioned by Antonetti, there are some bullpen arms here who could help their relief corps which have had their fair share of implosions lately. This could be a one stop shop for Cleveland if they view any of the players St. Louis could trade as attractive options.

Some of the names listed are not necessarily the most exciting names on the Cardinals roster, but it is not like acquiring someone like Jordan Walker, Lars Nootbar, or Nolan Gorman via trade is realistic at this time. St. Louis is looking to build around those players moving forward and are going to trade away other players in order to do so.

New York Mets

The 2023 season has not gone according to plan for the New York Mets as they appear to be sellers at the trade deadline. While most of the headlines about potential Mets trades are tied to starters Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, there are two other names which could be options for Cleveland. Tommy Pham and David Robertson. Both Pham and Roberston are on expiring deals which could motivate New York to be a bit more willing to part ways with the current state of their season.

Pham's .827 OPS would be the highest in Cleveland's outfield and third-highest on the team behind only Josh Naylor (.856) and Jose Ramirez (.852). Additionally, Pham's nine home runs this season is the same as the combined total of their regular outfield trio of Steven Kwan (5), Will Brennan (4), and Myles Straw (0).

Robertson's late-career renaissance has continued this season in Queens, with a 2.08 ERA, 1.015 WHIP, and 10 K/9 in his age 38 season. As mentioned previously, Cleveland did not say they are actively looking for bullpen help, but there is no such thing as having too many relievers. Robertson could also be a valuable veteran presence for what is still a very young Guardians team.

San Diego Padres

Like the Mets, 2023 has not gone as expected for the San Diego Padres. San Diego has underperformed and is in fourth place in the National League West division despite having a star studded lineup. While a splash trade for Juan Soto would be a dream scenario for Cleveland, do not expect that to happen as USA Today's Bob Nightengale does not believe he is available at this time. This turns the attention to San Diego's pitching staff which has two players could be on the move per Nightengale.

They instead are likely to shop All-Star closer Josh Hader and starter Blake Snell, barring a sudden and dramatic winning streak.
Bob Nightengale on the Padres

Snell and Hader are in the midst of outstanding seasons which means that they will not be cheap to come by. This more than likely removes Cleveland from the equation as it is hard to see them parting ways with the talent San Diego would be looking for in exchange for either player. Maybe it would be different if there was another year of control attached to either player, but their current rental status almost precludes Cleveland from being genuinely being involved. Maybe the Guardians surprise everyone and part ways with some of their infield prospect depth in order to get a deal done, it just does not appear all that likely at this time.