Rotation projection has Guardians adding World Series Champion pitcher

The most pressing need for the Cleveland Guardians this offseason is their starting rotation. Cleveland has already lost Matthew Boyd to the Chicago Cubs, and even if they were to somehow re-sign Shane Bieber, they would be without his services for a considerable amount of 2025. This means the Guardians must absolutely add a quality arm this offseason and a recent suggestion would make a ton of sense.

Appearing as part of Joel Reuter's Predicting Every MLB Team's 2025 Opening Day Starting Rotation, Version 1.0 on Bleacher Report, it is predicted that the Guardians will bring Andrew Heaney into their pitching mix. (Note: Shane Bieber does not make an appearance in any team's rotation prediction).

"History tells us they are not going to break the bank, but Andrew Heaney would be a nice addition if he can be had for something similar to the two-year, $25 million deal he signed with the Texas Rangers two years ago."

Joel Reuter

The rest of Cleveland's rotation would feature Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Ben Lively, and Triston McKenzie, with Heaney sliding into the second spot. This would give the Guardians a much more formidable group than what they trotted out for most of 2024 and could certainly go a long way in their efforts to repeat as American League Central Champions.

Heaney finished 2024 with a 4.28 ERA, 1.250 WHIP, and 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings, and while these may not be the most exciting numbers, it is definitely serviceable and serviceable could go a long way for the Guardians in their current state. The 11-year veteran posted similar numbers the year prior (4.15 ERA, 1.378 WHIP, 9.2 K/9), and this came during a season that resulted in the Texas Rangers winning the World Series, so this level of pitching can be beneficial in the right situation, and that situation very well could be Cleveland in 2025.