Realistic Outfield Trade Targets for the Guardians

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Recently, Guardians President of Baseball Ops Chris Antonetti joined Jim Duquette and Jim Bowden on their MLB Network radio show. And while Antonetti is known as an "answer dancer", he did share an interesting line regarding the team's plans for the upcoming trade deadline.

...If there's an opportunity to add another complimentary bat, that ideally has some versatility - that can contribute in the outfield and get some at-bats at DH, that could be another place we look into.
Chris Antonetti

Well, well, well - that certainly sounds like admission that this past off-season's moves haven't panned out. It's something that anyone who has paid the slightest bit of attention to can see from a mile away. Between Amed Rosario, Myles Straw, Will Brennan, and the catcher of the day - the Guardians deploy four daily roster spots to guys who are all own a sub .700 OPS. Not to mention Andres Gimenez who sits just barely above that .700 threshold. So yeah, adding a bat is a solid plan of attack.

But as much as I'd enjoy it if the Guardians front office went out and spent like a drunken sailor, that's not their MO, nor should it be - but it would be fun. And with that in mind I set out to find some of the most likely trade targets for the Guardians as the trade deadline approaches.

The Baltimore Contingency

First up is what I've dubbed, the "Baltimore Contingency" - made up of Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad. Now before I continue, there's absolutely no way that we can land both, but I'd gladly take either as a solid RF option. They each project to have average to slightly above average hit potential as well as power - you know, the thing that our current outfield is lacking.

Anyways, acquiring either Cowser or Kjerstad would allow Francona to move Straw to the bench and play Brennan in CF most games. And both come with a ton of control remaining, as Cowser only recently made his MLB debut. Could an NBA 3-team type deal, aid the Orioles in their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani? It would seem likely, Baltimore already has a logjam in the outfield - if the Guards can help alleviate that by sending some replacement prospects, it could help Baltimore should they strike a deal with the Angels.

Cardinals of yesterday and today

The next target that the Guardians should consider is former Cardinals cast off, and current Nationals Lane Thomas. Thomas is certainly having a great year, was an all-star snub - but most importantly would come to Cleveland with two years of team control.

The argument against Thomas, is that this season is an apparition and you'd be buying him at his highest value. The truth is, though I believe his value is probably closer to his current .293/.340/.490. As Thomas has been given more opportunity over the past two seasons- he's shown to be a capable 20/20 type. It's a low bar here, but the idea of adding that type of hitter to the fifth spot in the Guards order is enticing.

St. Louis is set to get Tyler O'Neill back here soon and could look to move Dylan Carlson as a result. Now Carlson has struggled of late, but he is just two removed from an impressive rookie campaign, and may just need a change of scenery. During that 2021 season Carlson had 53 XBH along with a .266/.343/.437, and if he can regain that form would be a welcome addition - however, that's a big if.

Cleveland's own old friend

The Tampa Bay Rays have recently shelved old friend Hittin' Harold Ramirez - and the Rays have some intriguing bats with their Triple-A Durham affiliate. Ramirez isn't going to add the thump that the Guardians truly need, but he does own .282/.332/.444 slash line with quality bat to ball skills. The Rays may sell low if they feel strongly about any of their prospects helping down the stretch - so acquiring Ramirez, who has two arbitration years remaining shouldn't break the bank.

A "go big or go home" option

Now the last name I feel on during the exercise is one that would help cure many of our woes. The ask would be substantial - yet very much worth it. Go big or go home! It's been reported that his presence with his current team has generated $20M net, and that's excluding ticket sales. The man I'm referring to is very clearly Shohei Ohtani. And there is literally no chance that the Guardians would meet the Angels asking price - I just wanted to drag this gag out a bit further. It's fun to imagine Ohtani teaming up with his bestie in Jose Ramirez, but sadly it will only occur in MLB the Show.

Coming back to reality, any one of these moves would likely help extend the Guardians lineup, and hopefully solidify the outfield lineup. As mentioned earlier, Brennan could easily shift to CF as a result of any of these deals.

It takes two to tango, but fingers crossed that the front office is able to find a trade partner for an outfield bat and can swing a trade here soon. Time will tell and maybe they can end Amed Rosario's tenure in Cleveland as well.