Time Warp Thursday: The Guardians' trade deadline dilemma

Welcome to Time Warp Thursday, where we rewind the clock to find clues for the Cleveland Guardians' future. The Guardians entered play on Wednesday with a perfectly balanced 50-50 record, which begs the question: What can we learn from the last time Cleveland found itself at or near .500 as the deadline clock ticked down?

We don't have to look far back. In fact, we just need to go back two years to 2023 when the Guardians were at 53-54 when the trade deadline arrived. Let's revisit their actions then and see if it offers any insight into the challenging decisions facing the front office this year.

The Guardians have a trade deadline dilemma

In 2023, the Guardians made a pair of notable moves. First, they sent first baseman Josh Bell to the Miami Marlins, acquiring prospect Kahlil Watson and veteran Jean Segura (who was ultimately released before ever stepping to the plate for Cleveland). Shortly after, they traded starting pitcher Aaron Civale to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for then-prospect, now first baseman, Kyle Manzardo.

The landscape of the 2025 Guardians, however, presents a distinct contrast to their 2023 selves, particularly on the mound. In 2023, the pitching staff was a mixed bag, featuring three rookies alongside veteran arms like Noah Syndergaard, Cal Quantrill, and the ill-fated Lucas Giolito experiment. Fast forward to 2025, and the Guardians' pitching has been a beacon of consistency and strength, performing significantly better.

Where the similarities undeniably lie, however, is at the plate. In 2023, Cleveland ranked 27th in Major League Baseball in runs scored. This season? A concerning 26th. They're still plagued by offensive struggles despite their improved pitching.

So, with the deadline fast approaching, will the Guardians opt to be sellers and restock the farm for the future or will they add pieces in a push for a Wild Card spot, given their current .500 standing?

My theory? They'll do a bit of both, but rest easy, Guardians faithful – I believe key young talents like Cade Smith and Steven Kwan are firmly off the table. The focus will likely be on leveraging expiring contracts and high-value bullpen arms.

Let's break down some potential moves. Players on one-year deals such as Carlos Santana, Jakob Junis, Austin Hedges and Lane Thomas could all be on the move for prospects or cash considerations. It's a classic approach to acquire future assets while shedding salary.

The situations with Shane Bieber ($16 million player option for 2026, $ million buyout) and John Means ($6 million club option for 2026) are a bit more complex. Given their limited or non-existent pitching this year due to injuries, their trade value is significantly diminished, making it plausible they remain with the club.

The biggest name on the block, in my estimation, will be closer Emmanuel Clase. With his elite performance and team control, he represents a significant haul for any contender. I envision a scenario where the Guardians flip players like Santana, Junis, and perhaps Paul Sewald for solid prospects or supplementary pieces, echoing the 2023 strategy of trading veterans for future talent.

However, unlike 2023 where the team relied on younger arms to fill out the rotation post-deadline, I predict this year Cleveland will seek to bring in young, impactful bats to address the ongoing offensive woes.

Think about flipping a reliever like Clase for a more immediate impact offensive piece or a top-tier outfield prospect like Boston's Jarren Duran or the Cubs' Owen Caissie. A package deal, perhaps Clase and Santana to Boston for Duran, could address multiple needs.

The Guardians know they hold a secret weapon in the second half of the season: the easiest remaining schedule in all of Major League Baseball. A Wild Card spot is very much within reach, and with strategic moves at the deadline, the Guardians could not only improve their chances for the current season but also lay crucial groundwork for sustained success in the years to come.

The question isn't if they'll make moves, but rather how they'll balance the present with the future.