There was some hope that the Cleveland Guardians would make some additions due to some post-lockout rumors, but alas nothing has come of it. The names linked to Cleveland were some of the higher profile big names, which was surprising. Players such as Trevor Story, Joc Pederson, and Matt Olson. Unfortunately what has become the expectation in Cleveland, those players have ended up elsewhere. The only signing of note that the Guardians have made so far? Backup catcher Luke Maile on a one-year deal.
This has become a yearly tradition, Cleveland reportedly shows interest in some players or are linked in some manner, but ultimately disappointment prevails. Anytime the now Guardians are mentioned in the same sentence as a prominent name skepticism reigns supreme. Each and every year the team makes what end up being lackluster moves resulting in the team moving on at some point during the season. Additionally, players the team needs to get info on are blocked. Players with question marks and prospects who have been in their system for some time. The Guardians need to go in one direction or the other. Either contend and make meaningful additions, or trade away anyone of value and play the kids. Straddling the line of both will result in irrelevance, a death sentence for a team post-rebrand.
