3 Strategic Trade Moves the Guardians Should Consider at the Deadline
With the Cleveland Guardians leading the AL Central at the All-Star break, here are three potential trade moves they could make before the deadline:
Safe Trade: Yusei Kikuchi (Blue Jays)
- Expiring contract provides low-risk acquisition
- 4-8 record with 4.42 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 2024
- Would provide rotation depth without long-term commitment
- Likely available at reasonable cost
Smart Trade: Erick Fedde (White Sox)
- Having breakout season: 7-3 record, 2.99 ERA, 1.13 WHIP in 111.1 IP
- Excellent home numbers: 1.47 ERA in 49 innings at home
- Team-friendly contract with control through 2025
- Proven performer on struggling team
- Would solidify rotation for playoff push
Bold Trade: Garrett Crochet and Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox)
- High-impact package addressing multiple needs
- Crochet: League-leading 150 strikeouts, 0.95 WHIP (4th in MLB)
- Robert Jr: Power-hitting centerfielder when healthy
- Would require significant prospect package (potentially DeLauter, Cantillo, Noel, Arias, Rocchio)
- High-risk, high-reward move targeting World Series run
- Feasible due to White Sox rebuild situation
The Guardians haven't won a World Series in 75 years. While the bold trade would be costly, it could provide the impact players needed for a championship push. The White Sox's historic struggles make them potential trade partners despite being division rivals.
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