6 starting pitchers the Cleveland Guardians should target ahead of the Trade Deadline

The starting rotation of the Cleveland Guardians has certainly received plenty of attention this season. Spring Training saw Gavin Williams deal with inflammation in his right elbow that delayed his 2024 debut, and then the Guardians lost Shane Bieber for the season after just two starts. Meanwhile, the duo of Tanner Bibee and Ben Lively have carried Cleveland's pitching staff. At the same time, Cleveland has gotten up and down starts from veteran Carlos Carrasco, providing some much-needed stability at times and disappointing outings at others.

The biggest issues have been the performances of Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen. Neither player has pitched up to their skill level, making it somewhat impressive the Guardians have gotten off to the start they have. Both players are currently in Triple-A, attempting to fix their issues with the hope they can return and be key members of Cleveland's pitching staff down the stretch and in the postseason. While that would be the best-case scenario for the Guardians, they cannot depend on that happening. Cleveland's front office must recognize their obvious need for some proven rotation help that can help them increase their lead in the American League Central and carry them deep into the postseason. The following six names could be on the move at the upcoming trade deadline and would be worth exploring as possible additions to the Guardians' rotation.

1. Erick Fedde - Chicago White Sox

It certainly seems like the Chicago White Sox are going to trade both Garrett Crochet and Erick Fedde, with the former more than likely being out of Cleveland's price range and the latter being more attainable. The Guardians have apparently shown interest in acquiring Fedde, according to a recent report from Cleveland.com's Terry Pluto. This does not come as a surprise, considering Cleveland's need for pitching help and Fedde's performance on the mound this season.

Fedde is not a star by any means, and there should be some level of caution exercised when evaluating his performance thus far. The 31-year-old veteran is in the midst of a career year with the White Sox after spending the 2023 season in the KBO. With a 3.13 ERA and 1.129 WHIP, Fedde would make an excellent addition to a Guardians pitching staff that is already reaping the rewards of a previously overlooked veteran who played overseas (Ben Lively).

The concern with Fedde lies with his career numbers in the majors prior to this season. From 2017-2023, Fedde owned a career 5.41 ERA and 1.523 WHIP in 454.1 innings pitched. There is a real possibility that Fedde could revert to his previous form rather than continue what he has shown this season given his career up to this point. If the Guardians truly believe that what he has shown in 18 starts for Chicago this season is his true form, nothing should prevent them from attempting to make a trade.

Obviously, there is going to be some level of difficulty in acquiring his services from the White Sox, Cleveland's American League Central division rival. More than likely they will have to pay an in-division tax to trade for Fedde, but that should not prevent Cleveland from attempting to do so.