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

6. Frankie Montas - Cincinnati Reds

Once upon a time, Frankie Montas was viewed as someone who could be a difference maker in a pennant race and maybe even someone who could take home a Cy Young Award at some point. A lot of things have changed since then, and now he finds himself pitching for a Cincinnati Reds team that is just far enough out of the mix right now that they might consider selling but also close enough that they may look to ride things out as is. If the Reds end up falling out of the race and look to trade Montas, the Guardians should be a team looking to make a deal for his services.

Montas has a 4.19 ERA and 1.319 WHIP in 77.1 innings this season, with 7.2 strikeouts per nine innings. While none of these are overpowering numbers by any means, they would help bolster a rotation in Cleveland that has seen plenty of lackluster outings from Logan Allen and Triston McKenzie.

Compared to some other names that may be available at the MLB Trade Deadline, Montas may not be considered someone who will put a team over the top, but he could be someone who maintains a level of stability beyond the first couple of starters in the rotation, and that could go a long way for the Guardians at this point in time.