This is an article to politely ask Guardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti and General Manager Mike Chernoff to stop repeating a new talking point they have offered to media twice, now. If you\u2019re wondering why I am writing this\u2026 well, they haven\u2019t done anything else for us to talk about, so blame them.<\/p>\n
Speaking of not doing anything, Guardians\u2019 front office obviously knew when they emerged from their mid-December to mid-January winter\u2019s nap, they would be asked why they did nothing to address an offense that ranked 28th in MLB in 2025\u2026 aside from re-signing Austin Hedges, who is the worst hitter in MLB since his debut among players with similar plate appearance numbers. I have to say, addressing this issue would be a challenge for the most skilled of communicators. They obviously cannot tell the truth, which is very clearly that they have been given instructions to limit the amount of money the team has committed for 2026 and 2027, given the likelihood of a lockout producing a shortened or canceled season in 2027, resulting in reduced revenues for a team that is – apparently (?) – strapped for cash.<\/p>\n
So, one approach they have both attempted is to emphasize that the team doesn\u2019t want to sign someone who will block their younger players. Ok. Brayan Rocchio, Juan Brito, Travis Bazzana, Chase DeLauter, C.J. Kayfus and George Valera need a clear runway to prove themselves as major leaguers. For sure, the team will not, then, leave any of these players in Columbus until May or June to gain an extra year of team control\/avoid super-2 issues. Surely. But, aside from that, any Guardians\u2019 fan with access to FanGraphs knows that the team is STILL missing some right-handed thump, and, someone who can competently play centerfield, hopefully a right-handed hitter.<\/p>\n
Antonetti and Chernoff have responded to the latter concern saying that even though they have made competitive offers for right-handed outfielders who can play centerfield, they have just been too gosh darn honest with those players, letting them know they will have to platoon, and those players have chosen to play elsewhere with better chances of increased playing time. Leaving aside the fact that at least one of these players would have chosen to compete for time in Cleveland if offered more MONEY to do so, I guess we are supposed to admire our front office for their exemplary honesty. Surely, they\u2019ve always been upfront and forthright with players and fans and never had to hide any motivations the team might have that conflict with their interests. Surely. Props to them. Ok.<\/p>\n
But, anyway, the real problem I have with these two gentleman is a talking point Chris Antonetti brought up at the Akron Rubber Ducks\u2019 dinner<\/a> and Mike Chernoff repeated to Cleveland dot com columnist<\/a>, Terry Pluto. Here\u2019s Antonetti:<\/p>\n \u201cPrior to the 2022 baseball season what Major League free agents did the Cleveland Guardians sign? \u2026Why am I bringing that up? Those are not the names everyone is talking about. Both 2022 and \u201924 we won the Central Division finding young players opportunities. In 2022, we chose not to sign the Eddie Rosarios of the year.\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe won the (Central Division) title in 2022 and 2024, I\u2019ll give you 100 bucks if you can name the free agents (hitters) we signed.\u201d<\/p>\n