The Cleveland Guardians are coming out of MLB’s Winter Meetings with the same questions they had when the front office showed up in Orlando. After very few moves were made by the Guardians during the annual event, here is what’s next for Cleveland as the offseason continues.
The Guardians are clearly committed to their young core, which is excellent. Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana have superstar potential, while George Valera, CJ Kayfus, and Kyle Manzardo all have the skill set to be quality big-league hitters.
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That said, they’re all left-handed hitters, and the Guardians struggled against left-handed pitching as is.
Cleveland should be prioritizing bringing in a right-handed hitter to platoon with some of the young lefties. Austin Hays and Randal Grichuk are all still free agents, and a trade could still be an option, too. Cleveland doesn’t need to just add an outfielder; it could make sense to add a veteran infielder.
Whatever direction the front office takes, they need more right-handed pop.
Cleveland Guardians right fielder George Valera (35) celebrates with Kyle Manzardo (9) after scoring during the fourth inning of Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field, Oct. 2, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Guardians have added three relievers to their bullpen since the offseason started: Connor Brogdon, Colin Holderman, and Peyton Pallette.
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All arms have some intriguing metrics, but Chris Antonetti and Stephen Vogt have both been clear that Cleveland needs more depth in the bullpen. This trio likely doesn’t solve all of the Guardians’ reliever issues.
Cade Smith is the closer, and Hunter Gaddis is the set-up man. Right now, the Guardians don’t have another go-to high-leverage arm in the back of the bullpen.
The Guardians’ outfield has a high ceiling in 2026 thanks to All-Star Steven Kwan and the potential of DeLauter and Valera. However, there’s also a low floor for this group, too, considering the injury history the outfield has as a whole.
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Kwan has landed on the injured list multiple times throughout his career, DeLauter has only played in 138 minor league games because of injuries, and Valera was DFA’d last offseason because of injuries.
Cleveland must figure out a way to add some more outfield depth to this group. Hays and Grichuk, who were previously mentioned, make sense for this role.
Looking at all of these unknowns surrounding the Guardians, the front office still has plenty of work to do before spring training.