6 teams that would make great trade partners with the Cleveland Guardians

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The Cleveland Guardians figure to be plenty busy this offseason, and not just when it comes to trying to fill out new manager Stephen Vogt's coaching staff. While there are some intriguing free-agent names floating out there, the Guardians have some very enticing trade chips that could swing them a good deal or two as well.

So who are the teams worth talking to this offseason? What types of deals make the most sense for Cleveland? And who are some of the most desperate teams out there, either for starting pitching help to contend or those at the beginning of a team fire sale? Let's dive in.

Six Teams That Would Make Great Trade Partners With the Cleveland Guardians

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are officially open for business. According to Ken Rosenthal, essentially nobody on the roster is exempt from trade considerations, and there's no doubt the vultures are now circling.

At first glance, Christian Yelich - who possesses a full no-trade clause - is certainly an intriguing option, even with a guaranteed five years left on his contract that will pay him $130 million (there's a 2029 mutual option for $20 million as well). There's no way on the planet the Guardians will want to take on that deal through potentially Yelich's age-37 season, but if there was some way to get Milwaukee to pay a bunch of it just to free up the payroll, it becomes an intriguing option to consider.

But, perhaps more realistically, if anyone on the Brewers' roster is available, it would be fantastic to swing a deal for flamethrowing righty Joel Payamps to further bolster the bullpen, or perhaps even young outfielder Sal Frelick, who should be a great major-league hitter (think more average, less power - you know, the Guardians' entire identity) for years to come. It's doubtful the Brewers will want to part with a 23-year-old rising prospect like Frelick, but hey, the fire sale is certainly coming for Milwaukee, so it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Baltimore Orioles

We've discussed the Orioles quite a bit in these parts already, framing a lot of the discussion around a potential Shane Bieber trade (which ideally could include someone like Austin Hays on Baltimore's side, but Birds Watcher's Brian Barr doesn't think the O's will want to part ways with him). It also looks like Cal Quantrill could be on the trade market, though, and there's no doubt the Orioles would still be interested in some capacity.

The Orioles currently sport an embarrassment of riches when it comes to prospects; is there some sort of deal that makes sense where the Guardians could add to their promising prospect core that includes the likes of Kyle Manzardo and Chase DeLauter? Baltimore is looking to keep pace in the brutal AL East, trying to take a step forward in its own development. Acquiring more starting pitching will certainly be part of that, and the Guardians can provide.

Cincinnati Reds

Perhaps the Guardians could once again go to the Cincinnati well, as the Reds - looking to take a step forward themselves - could also use more starting pitching (and hey, who couldn't?). Jake Fraley, who mashes right-handed pitching - would be a great complementary piece in the Guardians lineup. The Reds no doubt like Fraley in their own lineup, but that's the cost of being a pitching-needy team.

And hey, if Fraley isn't available, any chance the Guardians can get a do-over on that Will Benson trade?

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals are desperately in need of starting pitching help. It makes a lot of sense for the Guardians to consider getting involved, especially if a player like Brendan Donovan is involved in the discussion. The 26-year-old has had a great start to his career, hitting .283/.381/.398 with a 120 OPS+ over his first two seasons. And last year, Donovan was really starting to catch fire as one of the best hitters in baseball in the month of July before going down with a flexor tendon injury that required season-ending surgery.

There are some other interesting names to consider on the Cardinals' roster, but Donovan - who basically plays every position on the field - should be Cleveland's top choice, assuming St. Louis is willing to move him.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies will likely be active this offseason, just like they always are. There were some initial rumblings about Nick Castellanos - who is owed $60 million over the next three seasons - being available, though that has recently been walked back by the team to some extent. That could all be a bit of misdirection, so it's worth inquiring; Castellanos would be the perfect veteran bat for the Guardians lineup.

San Diego Padres

Juan Soto is 100% going to be traded this offseason; at this point, it's the worst-kept secret in baseball. Why not the Guardians, right? But beyond Soto, it seems like the Padres are in the beginning stages of a true tailspin, so it's likely plenty of the roster could be available in trade talks, and Cleveland has had plenty of trade success with San Diego before.

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