5 teams the Guardians should consider as potential trade partners

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, as 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.