Cleveland Guardians rumors: Aaron Civale mentioned as trade option for AL East contender

The exact approach that the Cleveland Guardians will have at the trade deadline is not known at this time. Entering Tuesday they are just 1.5 games back of the American League Central division leading Minnesota Twins, but that does not necessarily mean that they will not field trade offers from inquiring teams.

Contending teams are always prioritizing pitching and with Shane Bieber on the shelf it could shift the focus to another Guardians pitcher, Aaron Civale. Civale was mentiioned (along with several others) as an option for the Boston Red Sox by Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors. Boston is reportedly seeking a back end starter and that is a role that Civale could fill for a contending team like the Red Sox.

Civale and Paul Blackburn are both named as potential additions for the Red Sox who still have years of control beyond 2023. Because of that the cost of acquiring Civale or Blackburn is considered to be higher than that of other names mentioned such as Carlos Carrasco, Rich Hill, Michael Lorenzen, and Lance Lynn. Boston could very well choose to go down the rental route rather than give up the required package to get someone like Civale.

Nothing is imminent at the moment as this appears to be connecting dots betwen a team with a glaring need and one that may go down the path of trading away some players. There is still a very good chance that the Guardians hang on to Civale because of the two arbitration eligible years remaining. This is still a team that operates in a conservative manner from a financial aspect and keeping someone who is not expected to break the bank is right up their alley.

With the Guardians still being in the mix for the posteason it does not appear likely that they trade Civale at this time. Cleveland currently has three rookies in their rotation and having one or more arms in their rotation with experience pitching in the majors prior to this season is preferred. There is also a scenario where a team offers up a deal that is too good to refuse. At that point it would be wise to change course as long as the right price is met.