Predicted free agent signing would be perfect buy-low addition for Guardians

By now, everyone is very well aware of the fact that the Cleveland Guardians must address their starting rotation this offseason (or at least they should be aware of that fact). When factoring in the way the Guardians prefer to operate, there should be an expectation of a flier or two being taken by an organization that tends to be risk-averse. A possible option for Cleveland was mentioned by Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer in Preview and Predictions for MLB's Free-Agent Starting Pitching Market.

Making an appearance in the Worthwhile Reclamation Projects section is former Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox pitcher Michael Soroka. Rymer predicts a two-year $12 million between Cleveland and Soroka. While his overall numbers do not look great (4.74 ERA and 1.381 WHIP), Soroka pitched significantly better when moving into Chicago's bullpen.

However, something happened when Soroka shifted into a role as a multi-inning fireman. He got really good, posting a 2.75 ERA and whiffing 39 percent of the batters he faced. Given that and his youth, a bet on him is a bet worth taking.

Is it ideal that Soroka struggled in Chicago's rotation last year and only found success as a reliever? Not necessarily, particularly considering that the Guardians have a stacked bullpen, and this would be a move for their depleted rotation. But if there is an organization that can get Soroka back to pitching like he used to before missing two consecutive seasons (2021-2022), it is the Guardians.

Cleveland is coming off a season that featured them getting the most out of not one but two reclamation projects in Ben Lively and Matthew Boyd. Last year's success in that department may persuade Soroka to come to Cleveland and get back to being a starting pitcher. If that is what Soroka would prefer, it seems like the Guardians could have the upper hand over other ballclubs vying for his services.