Should the Cleveland Guardians look at waiver-wire targets like Carlos Carrasco and Hunter Renfroe?

Tuesday saw a slew of players hit the waiver wire as each of their respected teams begin to wave the white flag on 2023. Interestingly, this development provides Cleveland Guardians president Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff with a unique opportunity, one in which they can tweak the edges of the current roster without sacrificing anything.

There were two names that stuck out as possible additions, the first being fan favorite Carlos Carrasco and the second being Hunter Renfroe.

Is a Carlos Carrasco Reunion in the Cards?

It's no secret that Cookie Carrasco struggled this season as a member of the Mets. Then again, that whole team has underperformed. But claiming Carrasco would provide the club with a capable starter, one who would be asked to eat innings down the stretch. Then, consider that guys like Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, and Logan Allen will soon be reaching their innings limit for the season, and the need for someone to hold it down for a few starts becomes even more obvious. I for one would love such a reunion.

Even looking towards next season, Carrasco would be a great spring training invite. He's going to turn 37 before the start of next season and has been up and down the past few seasons, but all that said, Carrasco would be a valuable asset for the young guys. Just think how great it be for him to retire in a Cleveland uniform.

Why Not Take a Chance on a Slugging Outfielder?

Turning our attention to the outfield, the club has conceivably found something in Ramón Laureano. However, there is still a glaring need in right field. Enter Hunter Renfroe. Hitting behind Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout for the first half of the season, Renfroe carried a line of .249/.296/.456 with 18 doubles, 15 home runs, and 41 RBI. Then Trout went down with an injury around the Fourth of July, which subsequently saw Renfroe's numbers take a hit.

Now, hitting behind two of the game's greatest hitters certainly helps. The Guardians admittedly have no one in that realm, but the combo of José Ramírez and Josh Naylor is quite formidable in their own right. Sticking Renfroe in the five or six spot could help improve his numbers, and it's not like Oscar Gonzalez is providing much (casting serious doubts about his future with the Guardians).

It's feasible to believe that should the Guardians land Renfroe, they could extend him. And the assumption would then be that he is the Opening Day starter in right with Laureano manning center. Kwan obviously gets the nod in left in this scenario. As for Myles Straw, well, his days withe Guardians may soon be numbered.

I know some fans might be upset if the Guardians went with Renfroe starting the 2024 season in right. But his addition would allow for prospects like George Valera and Johnathan Rodriguez to continue their development in Triple-A Columbus. The best-case scenario is that Renfroe rakes, the prospects are knocking at the door, and someone is dealt.

All of this said, there is a possibility the front office does nothing, choosing instead to stand pat. I truly believe that would be a mistake, but we shall see come Thursday, when these players can sign with new clubs.